Ben Stokes has ploughed on with his plans to make a comeback in New Zealand despite his Ashes hopes suffering a setback and England’s players being told to move on from the prospect of his arrival in Australia.
Avon & Somerset police have passed the file on the incident on 25 September involving the all-rounder to the Crown Prosecution Service for review. A further wait is expected but Stokes has still signed for Canterbury in his native Christchurch and will play a 50-over match against Otago in Rangiora on Sunday.
Joe Root admitted on Thursday that the 10-wicket defeat in Brisbane left him wondering what difference Stokes would have made. Now his chances of a return have seemingly drifted, the focus must remain on the job at hand.
“I would personally love to have him back,” said the England captain, looking forward to Saturday’s second Test in Adelaide, “but these things are completely out of our hands and we just have to move on. It is important not to, as a group, look and wish and want him to be here, knowing he won’t be.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board has stated the situation remains unchanged from its perspective, with a number of scenarios possible. A board meeting will convene within 48 hours of a CPS decision and, in theory, an Ashes return is still possible.
If cleared, Stokes could be deemed to have served his punishment by the Cricket Discipline Commission through the two one-day internationals and two Tests he has already missed.
A charge, on the other hand, could mean his sporting case is pushed back until after the legal side is concluded and his international availability restored in order to prevent prejudicing any trial.
With either course of action likely to provoke criticism of the ECB, and a decision by the CPS expected to be weeks away, England look set to be without their talisman, who will instead be turning out in New Zealand’s domestic tournament.
The police stating that a “27-year-old man suffered a fractured eye socket” during the incident in Bristol two months ago prompted suggestions Canterbury may get cold feet. One of their players, Ken McClure, pleaded guilty to an assault last Friday and the situation is sensitive.
Jez Curwin, the Canterbury chief executive, said: “While it would be easy to draw direct comparisons, we have to reiterate that in that situation [McClure] was free to play until such time as he pleaded guilty to the charges. We believe Ben has the right to be treated the same way as other players. It is also our understanding Ben would be free to play county cricket in the English domestic competition were they in season. Of course, as with all players, we can reassess the situation should it change.”
Sunday will offer a curious look for English cricket, with Stokes, back from a broken hand, taking on Otago while the second Test is under way. The ECB believes there is a difference between earning a living domestically and representing the national team.
The no objection certificate required to play domestically overseas is done on a tournament-by-tournament basis too, and it is unlikely Stokes would be cleared to play in Australia’s Big Bash League, which starts in late December while the Ashes are still taking place.
