Three England cricketers punished by the ECB days after the Ben Stokes' 'fight-night'

England cricket’s tryst with disciplinary issues continues as as three more cricketers were punished on Friday for off-field misbehavior. Earlier, all-rounder Ben Stokes and batsman Alex Hales were suspended from national-duty following the ‘fight-night’ incident outside a nightclub in Bristol. The three cricketers under the spotlight are- Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball and Liam Plunkett.

Each of the three cricketers accepted a written warning and were also slapped with an undisclosed fine, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced, following an investigation into their “unprofessional conduct” during the recent ODI series against the West Indies.

The investigation was not related to the one involving Ben Stokes and Alex Hales. who have been subjected to a separate hearing. Stokes was earlier named in the Ashes squad but he won’t be traveling with the England team. “Ben Stokes will not travel at this stage, though no final decision has been taken on his involvement in Australia,” an ECB statement read.

Strauss’ statement on Stokes

England Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss said he wanted some clarity around speculation of Stokes’s Ashes future.”With the Ashes just around the corner, it’s important to give the players, the coaching staff and supporters some clarity around a complex situation,” Strauss said in a statement.

“This decision will help us in the weeks ahead and give every player and the whole England set-up the best chance to focus on the challenge ahead in Australia. “Steven (Finn) is a high-quality cricketer, with considerable experience of both international cricket and Australian conditions.

“The Selectors believe he will add to the range of options and the squad will be further supported by the arrival of the Lions in Australia in November.” he added. “We have spoken to Ben and assured him that our decision in no way prejudges the outcome of the ongoing Police investigation or Cricket Discipline Commission process, as can be seen by the award of Central Contracts.” he said.