Ben Stokes named in England ODI squad for Australia series

In a very surprising move by the England and the Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Ben Stokes and Alex Hales have been named in the England ODI squad for the series down under. After the conclusion of the Ashes, the English side will lock horns with the Aussies in a five match ODI series. The series commences on January 14.

The news has come as a big relief for the English cricket fans. Ben Stokes and Alex Hales have been out of international action ever since they were allegedly found their involvement in the pub brawl in Bristol this September. While the charges against Stokes were severe, Hales did not suffer any charges from the officials.

Stokes is currently playing domestic cricket in New Zealand. He is waiting for the judgment from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). His case was forwarded to the CPS by the Avon and Somerset Police. If found guilty, Stokes could lose out on this ODI berth as well, just the way he lost his chance to be in the Ashes.

On the contrary, Hales will not face any charges from the police but can still be penalised by the ECB’s disciplinary board. As per the recent reports in Cricbuzz, as soon as the CPS gives its verdict on Ben Stokes, the board will convene a meeting to decide the future course of action. For now, the involvement of Stokes and Hales in the ODI squad is subject to the legal clearances.

“Selectors were given clear guidance to name their strongest squad and have made their selections accordingly. Both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes are included, though their involvement remains subject to any relevant legal or disciplinary developments in relation to the incident in Bristol in September,” the ECB quoted.

England ODI Squad for Australia series:

Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Sam Billings, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood