Footage shows Ben Stokes engaged in a violent brawl
In a recent video footage released by The Sun, England cricket all-rounder Ben Stokes is allegedly seen punching two people on a street in Bristol. He was earlier arrested by the police on suspicion of causing bodily harm, but was released without any charges and is currently under investigation. Stokes was ruled out of the England team for remaining ODIs against West Indies.
Despite an injury, Ben Stokes was included in the 16-member England squad for the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia, starting in November. While the vice-captain is expected to be fit by the time Ashes starts, his inclusion has come under question after the brawl footage was released. The ongoing investigation by Bristol Police leaves Stokes's Australia tour in hanging.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said that till the investigation reports come out, no decision on Stokes's place in the team will be taken. ECB's cricket director Andrew Strauss condemned Stokes's behavior but said that Stokes will remain test vice captain and was quoted saying, "As it currently stands, he is (Test) vice-captain pending any disciplinary action."
England's coach Trevor Bayliss said that the player's behavior was unprofessional and it was not acceptable that the players go out drinking late in the middle of a series.
Ben Stokes has been at the center of controversies all his career, both on and off the field, and is one offence away from receiving a test-ban from the International Cricket Council under their code of conduct. In the past six years, Stokes was arrested for speeding, sent back from tour for flouting drinking rules and was seen in on-field altercations on several occasions.
