Toby Roland-Jones believes Australian media would target Ben Stokes

England fast bowler Toby Roland-Jones claims that the Australian media would be targeting controversial English all-rounder Ben Stokes ahead of the high-octane Ashes series. Stokes has been the centre of attraction lately due to his brawl outside a pub in Bristol, along with Alex Hales.

Following the controversy, both Hales and Stokes were suspended indefinitely by the ECB. However, the Durham all-rounder was included in the squad for the Ashes but his participation in the highly anticipated series down under due to the pending police enquiry and ECB clearance.

We’ve had various small chats about their (Australian) media and my little understanding is that they’ll certainly try and make a target of him and the most they can out of the situation. Knowing him a little bit, as I do, I would have no problems about him going over there and still being able to perform and having a massive impact for that England team,” commented Toby Roland-Jones according to BBC Five Live.

If you drink too much that can impact your performance: Jones

“I think it (incident) is a timely reminder. These days with phones, social media and the access that people have, at any time when you are in the public domain, you are there to be seen and recognised, particularly someone as high-profile as Ben is in our sport,” further added the 29-year old.

“I think the key thing is firstly timing, and knowing that if you drink too much that can impact your performance and preparation, and that is in no way accepted by the management. But when you are celebrating a series win, or enjoying casual beers in the dressing room, that breeds I think a really positive culture as well. But there’s a line there and unfortunately, in certain instances, it becomes pretty black and white when it is crossed,” concluded the Middlesex player.