Bristol arrest could cost Ben Stokes his vice-captaincy post

Ace English all-rounder Ben Stokes could potentially lose out on his vice-captaincy position following his recent escapade in Bristol. Stokes was arrested in Bristol following an alleged brawl in the city a couple of days ago. The arrest resulted in Stokes being ruled out of the final two ODIs against West Indies. Opener Alex Hales was also ruled out of the fixture due to the same reason.

Now, with the Ashes 2017-18 being round the corner, the ECB is all set to announce the squad for the premier series. However, with uncertainty looming large over the selection of Ben Stokes for the series, it seems that there could be a catch in the situation. Albeit Stokes could still manage to be in the squad, he might lose out on being the vice-captain – a role that was assigned to him in May this year.

ECB head Andrew Strauss mentioned that the selection for the squad will purely be based on the performances. “The selectors have been instructed to select the Ashes squad based on form and fitness,” he quoted. Meanwhile, the limited overs skipper Eoin Morgan mentioned that the exclusion of Stokes from the side is a big blow indeed. “It is a big blow. Certainly losing a guy like Ben Stokes is a big one,” quipped Morgan.

Can’t drink diet Cokes with dinner

Commenting on the same issue, in an interview published on Saturday by The Times, Stokes was clear in his claims saying he will not take to violence on the field. Off the field, he does not refrain from having a drink or two. “There’s adrenaline there, but I’d never get close to punching someone. We’re grown men, go out for dinner, have a few pints. I’m 26, not 14. I don’t have to drink Diet Cokes with dinner,” Ben Stokes quoted.

Meanwhile, Sam Billings and Jason Roy have been called up to the English squad for the final two ODIs against West Indies. The England squad for the Ashes will be announced soon. It will interesting to see whether Stokes makes it to the squad or not.