Ben Stokes may join the England squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test

Trailing the 5-match Ashes series by 0-1, England could avail the services of all-rounder Ben Stokes if he gets a clearance from the Avon and Somerset Police over his antics outside the nightclub in Bristol two months ago. Stokes has agreed to play domestic cricket in New Zealand, as he received a no-objection certificate from the England and Wales Cricket Board last Friday.

Stokes is currently spending time with his parents in the Kiwi land and set to sign a deal with Canterbury. He is likely to play his first match since the street fight, on Sunday in the Ford Trophy, the 50-overs competition. Stokes fractured his hand after the incident and was later suspended from the England national team.

It has been reported that the 26-year-old has given his statement to the detectives last week. If he gets cleared then the ECB will look to fly him to Australia to participate in the Ashes. The third Test starts on 14th December and there is an eight daybreak before the Boxing day Test.

The value of an all-rounder

It has been reported that the members of the ECB’s board do not want Stokes to be a part of the team in Australia as it will attract negative press. But the Three Lions’ coaching staff have expressed their desire to have Stokes back in the side. Stokes’ availability will be a huge boost to the defending champions as he can add vital contributions with the bat and he has done well with the ball too.

To add to that, Stokes’ aggression and killer instinct will be the perfect combination to tackle the Aussies. Stokes has been training in the Durham nets at the Riverside and a few good outings will make his bid for a return loud.