ENG Vs IND, 2018: Joe Root Confirms Ben Stokes' Inclusion For First Test Despite Court Trial

England team-management will not have a second thought on selecting star cricketer Ben Stokes for next month’s first Test against India, even though the match could finish just a day before the allrounder’s trial for affray begins.

Stokes missed the Ashes earlier this year after being arrested while being on a night out in Bristol last September. He was alleged to have been involved in a street brawl outside a pub.

The brawl allegedly left a man with a broken eye socket. In January, this year, the prosecutors had charged Stokes.

The England star has since pleaded not guilty to the charge. He returned to action during the One-day International series against New Zealand. He, however, will have to appear in the court for his trial which will start on August 6.

The trial will start just a day after the first Test is scheduled for August 1-5 first Test at Birmingham.

There were apprehensions that Stokes might miss the series-opener. However, England Test captain Joe Root has made it clear that Durham-based all-rounder would make it to the team if he’s fit.

“We are going to pick our best team and make sure we go into that series with the strongest squad,” Root told English media.

“If Ben’s fit to play, he’ll be up for selection. He loves playing cricket, he loves being out there – you can see when he’s on a cricket field he’s fully engaged with what’s going on,” he maintained.

 

“He wants the ball all the time. Stokes wants to be involved in what’s happening and I’m sure that will be exactly the same throughout that game,” added Root.

Root was addressing the media after England’s impressive win over India in the third ODI.

Both Ben Stokes and Root were a part of the side that thrashed India by eight wickets. The hosts sealed the three-match series 2-1.

Root once again starred for the hosts, scoring his second successive century – to help his side chase down 257 with utmost ease.

The century was his 13th in the 50-over format. Root now holds the record for most number of centuries in ODI format for England. He surpassed Marcus Trescothick’s tally of 12 ODI tons which he equalled during his 113-run knock in the second ODI at Lord’s.

Root, however, was far from satisfied, saying:

“It’s not a big thing. I don’t think. It’s obviously nice. But I feel I’ve got a lot more to give this ODI team for hopefully a long time,” he added.

“Hopefully, there’s quite a few more (hundreds) left,” he added.