Ben Stokes remains doubtful for Ashes despite renewal of central contract

English cricketers Ben Stokes and Alex Hales who were arrested following a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub, have been out of any cricketing action ever since. While the ECB is all set to renew their central contracts, Stokes’ Ashes future continues to hang in balance.

The deals for England’s international players who will be a part of the circuit in the 2017-18 season are expected to be announced on Friday. The duo has been suspended for an indefinite period, awaiting the outcome of the police investigation regarding the altercation. Meanwhile, their status with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) remains unaffected by the incident.

Since it is unrelated to any on-field affairs and also ECB’s reluctance in taking any action before the investigations have been completed, Stokes would continue to honour his commitments to the Test and One Day International contracts while Hales will remain a part of the limited overs side.

Turn of events

While the renewal may not come as a surprise to many, it still doesn’t guarantee Stokes a spot in the England squad as the team departs for down under, later this month. The valiant all rounder is allegedly seen in a footage knocking a fellow reveller to the floor with a single punch. This followed right after England’s victory against West Indies in the third ODI at Bristol.

It remains to be seen if Stokes is pressed charges as the investigation team comes to a conclusion. That’s when the ECB’s disciplinary committee is expected to take a decision. However, the Avon and Somerset police have implied that it may take a couple of weeks or more to complete the investigation, hence Stokes’ and Hales’ fate awaits any action before the ECB arrives at any implications.

Alex Hales, who was a part of the incident and like Stokes has been interviewed under caution this week, is not a part of the Ashes squad as he’s restricted to playing only limited overs cricket for England. However, any cricketing punishment may cause complications in his upcoming deal to play T20 in South Africa’s domestic tournament T20 Global League next month.