Ben Stokes likely to be out for the entire winter

Ben Stokes, the England all-rounder, is set to be kept out in cold by England for the whole winter as a penalty for his involvement in the street brawl. He has been temporarily withdrawn from the Ashes squad which starts in November and also might be axed from the ODI series against Australia and New Zealand tour. Stokes and Alex Hales were involved in the brawl outside the bar in the early hours of last Monday in Bristol.

The former was arrested at the scene on suspicion of actual bodily harm. However, the video footage which was released by The Sun later revealed the cricketer had punched the victim 15 times in a minute which created a massive controversy.

England Cricket Board (ECB) soon announced that both the cricketers will not be considered for England until further notice. The announcement of Stokes being banned might be official soon as there is no news if any action will be taken on Hales. Police investigations continue on the case the two witnesses which they feel are key to the incident are yet to appear. The selectors might announce the replacement for Stokes once the news of him being banned is officially declared.

Stokes to miss IPL?

It is highly likely Ben Stokes might face a permanent suspension for as long as the whole winter which means the earliest he could play for England again is next summer’s First Test against Pakistan at Lord’s on May 24. He could also be excluded from the Indian Premier League next if the ECB refuses to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC). If that happens then the punches would cost him around £2 million.

The jolt is severe to the prospects of England defending Ashes this winter down under. However, there has already been comments from the former cricketers of the country that their team will defend their urn in Australia even without the 26-year-old in the team. It remains to be seen who will replace Stokes as it would be tough for the selectors to find an able replacement.