Video footage shows Ben Stokes involved in Bristol brawl

England all-rounder Ben Stokes might fall into trouble after the video footage of the street brawl confirms his involvement in the early hours on Monday. Alex Hales was with his teammate when the incident happened outside the nightclub post the third One-Day International against Windies on Sunday. The police had arrested Stokes at 2.35 AM on Monday in Clifton area of Bristol on suspicion of causing bodily harm in a drunken incident. He was held overnight and then released later in the day without any charges.

Both Hales and Stokes were not part of the fourth ODI against the Caribbean side in London as they had to stay in the city for investigation. The news of the young all-rounder being arrested spread like wildfire on Wednesday and many former cricketers slashed at him. Michael Vaughan and Nasser Hussain criticised him heavily for being involved in such a brawl being the vice-captain of the team and advised Stokes to ‘grow up’.

ECB has viewed the footage

The video footage of the infamous street brawl on Monday morning has been obtained by The Sun and is going viral now. It shows Stokes throwing punches at two men in a nasty face-off that took place outside a Bristol nightclub. He was involved in the fight with a man who appears to have a bottle in his hand. The England all-rounder continued throwing fists at two men in an exchange that lasted close to a minute. However, his partner Hales is trying to hold him back with the words as, “Enough, Stokes” and pleadings to calm down the 26-year-old.

It has been understood that the England Cricket Board (ECB) has viewed the footage and have stressed that the police will investigate the issue. “We have seen this footage for the first time tonight – when posted by The Sun. There is an ongoing Police investigation, which will look at all available evidence, and we do have to respect that process,” the ECB spokesman said. It remains to be seen if the board takes any action post the investigation.

Despite being involved in the unwanted off-field action, Ben Stokes was picked in the Ashes squad which was announced on Wednesday. It was also confirmed by Andrew Strauss, the ECB chief, that he had sustained a minor fracture to his right hand. It would be a huge blow for England if Stokes is held for the case and would not be able to travel with the Ashes squad to Australia.

Here’s the video (Via The Sun)

Video of England cricket Ben Stokes in street brawl where he knocks out some chap.
Will the ECB act on this now? pic.twitter.com/xrHhYcASSf

— Aravind???? (@aravindbob) September 28, 2017