Stokes will not play down under, believes Michael Vaughan

Former English skipper Michael Vaughan believes that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had to forcefully include the name of Ben Stokes in the England squad. ECB recently announced the squad for the five-match ODI series against Australia that would commence after the conclusion of the Ashes. Surprisingly, they named Ben Stokes and Alex Hales in the squad too.

However, the board added that the participation of Stokes would be subject to the legal proceedings. In any case, Michael Vaughan is of the opinion that Stokes’ name has been included only because of the popular demand. As per the recent reports in BBC Sport, Vaughan affirmed that Stokes will not get to play in any match down under.

“It’s very confusing, but I don’t think anything has changed really. It’s the same situation we are in now, he’s not here playing for England because he is not deemed selectable,” quoted Michael Vaughan.

Sympathetic towards the ECB

The former captain also admitted that he feels sympathetic to the cricket board since they had no option but to include the name of Stokes in the list. England are already 0-2 down in the Ashes and are facing the heat from the fans. The all-rounder was tipped to be the big impact player in the series but could not make it to the tour at all.

He is currently in New Zealand playing domestic cricket for Canterbury. Vaughan looked firm in his verdict that there is no scene where Stokes could make it to the international cricket until the case is completely resolved by the legal proceedings.

“They don’t want to prejudice any kind of case moving forward. They had to include to include him in the squad. But I would bet my bottom dollar that unless this case comes to an end very quickly, there is no chance that Ben Stokes will play cricket in Australia this winter,” said the former England skipper.