Ben Stokes has fractured his right hand, confirms Andrew Strauss

The England Cricket Board (ECB) team director Andrew Strauss has confirmed that Ben Stokes has suffered a minor fracture on his right hand. The all-rounder was allegedly involved in an altercation outside the bar in Bristol during the early hours of Monday morning. However, Strauss is hopeful that he will be fit in time for an all-important Ashes series in November down under. Ashes is set to commence on November 23 in Brisbane at the historic Gabba.

Stokes was arrested by the police on the suspicion of causing bodily harm in a drunken incident and was held overnight before releasing him without any charges laid against him. Alex Hales accompanied him when the incident occurred. Despite all that, the all-rounder was named in the Ashes squad announced earlier today.

Hales and Stokes will miss the fourth ODI

England is playing the 5-match ODI series against Windies and has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead after 3 games. But Hales and Stokes, both are set to miss the fourth ODI which will be played on Wednesday in London. While the latter is still under investigation, the former has voluntarily returned to Bristol on Tuesday to assist police with their enquiries. Sam Billings has been included in the squad as cover for both.

Jason Roy will return to the playing eleven and will open alongside Jonny Bairstow and either of Jake Ball or Tom Curran will replace Ben Stokes. Eoin Morgan, the skipper feels that they have enough resources and will not miss the opener and the all-rounder.

“We found out yesterday (Monday). It has been a bit of a distraction. But ultimately this game is about winning the series. There are two positions up for grabs. We’ll make a decision on that ahead of tomorrow. I feel that we’ve got a strong enough squad to select from and fill that hole. So, hopefully it doesn’t effect us too much,” quoted Morgan.