Skip to content

England all-rounder Ben Stokes to miss Windies games after arrest in Bristol

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England's director of cricket Andrew Strauss says the arrest of Stokes won't affect selection for the upcoming Ashes tour

Ben Stokes is out of Wednesday's one-day international against the Windies after he was arrested following an incident in Bristol after England’s 124-run win.

England opener Alex Hales is also ruled out of the match at the Kia Oval, although Ashes selection will proceed as planned and their availability is not affected at this stage.

Kent's Sam Billings has been drafted into the squad and Sky Sports News understands he will play, batting at No 6.

Roy, Billings to start for England
Roy, Billings to start for England

Jason Roy and Sam Billings in line for England recall for fourth ODI against Windies

"Selectors have been instructed to select the Ashes squad based on form and fitness as they normally would," said England director of cricket, Andrew Strauss.

Stokes was released under investigation without charge after the incident in the early hours of Monday morning following the third ODI the previous day.

Live One-Day International Cricket

"Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow's One-Day International match against West Indies at The Oval," read an official ECB statement.

"Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol.

Also See:

Alex Hales of England drives the ball towards the boundary during the 2nd Royal London One Day International v Windies at Trent Bridge
Image: Alex Hales sits out Wednesday's match at the Kia Oval

"He was held overnight and released under investigation - without charge - late on Monday and will not join the team in London.

"Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night, did not train this morning and has returned voluntarily to Bristol today to help Police with their enquiries.

"You will understand that we cannot offer further detail at this stage but will provide any updates when we can."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Eoin Morgan admits the arrest of Stokes isn't ideal preparation for fourth ODI

Avon and Somerset Police were asked for a statement on the incident and they confirmed the following:

"We were called to a disorder in Queens Road, Clifton, at around 2.35am on Monday (25 September).

"A 27-year-old man was found to have suffered facial injuries and was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment.

"A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and has since been released under investigation."

Around Sky