Ben Stokes suspended from all England matches until further notice along with Alex Hales
Pair were involved in an incident on Monday that led to Stokes' arrest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ben Stokes and Alex Hales have been suspended indefinitely with pay by the England and Wales Board of Cricket, and will not be considered for any matches until further notice.
Stokes was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in the early hours of Monday morning after being involved in an alleged altercation in Bristol city centre, shortly after the third One-Day International victory over the West Indies.
The 26-year-old was released without charge pending further investigation, but was immediately stood down by the ECB for the two remaining ODIs against the West Indies this week. Having missed Wednesday’s narrow six-run DLS victory, both Stokes and Hales will also sit out tomorrow’s final match between the two countries, with the ECB issuing a further statement on Thursday to confirm they have been suspended on full pay.
An ECB statement read: “Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be considered for selection for England international matches until further notice.
“Each remains on full pay pending further ECB investigation and the ongoing Police investigation into an incident in Bristol in the early hours of Monday 25 September.
“Andrew Strauss, director of England cricket, will today refer the internal disciplinary procedure for these two players to the cricket discipline commission, chaired by Tim O’Gorman.
“These decisions, fully supported by ECB Chairman Colin Graves, were made following the release of footage viewed by ECB for the first time on Wednesday night.”
The Sun released a video on Wednesday night that allegedly captured Stokes in a street fight, in which a man accused of being the 26-year-old cricketer threw a number of punches, one of which left another person on the floor.
Stokes will be re-interviewed by Avona and Somerset Police in the next few days, as the video footage was not available when he was initially arrested. The alleged incident took place outside Mbargo nightclub in Clifton, and Stokes remains under arrest and has been asked to travel back to Bristol within the next seven days to be interviewed under caution by police detectives investigating the case.
Hales has also been asked to return to Bristol by Avon and Somerset Police to assist with inquiries.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments