ECB confirms availability of Ben Stokes for national selection

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have confirmed the availability of Ben Stokes for national selection in the coming assignments. The news has been a much awaited one in the cricket circles in the recent times. Stokes has been one of the integral part of the English set up across the three formats of the game in the recent times.

However, his off-field antics had cost him a berth in the national side. Back in September last year, Ben Stokes saw his name being involved in a brawl in Bristol. Following the allegations, he lost the coveted berth in the English squad for the Ashes. Subsequently, he was ignored by the national board who claimed to be waiting for the legal clearances in the case.

Stokes was named in the England squad for the ODI series against Australia. However, the ECB later pulled out his name from the list since the Police were yet to determine the course of action in his case. Recently, though, the Police announced their verdict on the brawl. Ben Stokes was charged for affray in the case.

This put his participation in the upcoming English assignments under the dark clouds. The ECB had earlier promised that they will take a call on Stokes and his subsequent selections for the national side within 48 hours of the Police verdict. With the verdict sent out, the media eyes were on the English board to give a final call.

Comeback date

And now, as the things stand out, the ECB have confirmed that Stokes is clear to play for England in the coming days. Considering the developments, it is apparent that the name of Stokes could be considered for selection in the upcoming T20I tri-series in New Zealand. Australia, England, and New Zealand are set to play a 7-match T20I series in New Zealand commencing in February 3.

Interestingly, Stokes has not been out of cricket action. He played for Canterbury in the New Zealand domestic circuit while the English team played the Ashes this season. Also, his availability in the IPL auctions, which was under the doubtful clouds, seems to be clear now.

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