England vs India 2018: Ben Stokes in Contention for Third Test if Cleared of his Case
Updated - 10 Jan 2019, 01:29 AM
England all-rounder Ben Stokes could be in contention to play in the third Test match. Stokes can make it if he is given a green chit in affray charge case. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes had missed the second Test match due to his ongoing charge.
However, Ben Stokes could not make the cut into the 13-man England squad for the third Test match. England and Wales Cricket had named the squad yesterday. In fact, an ECB official confirmed that the door is still open for Stokes for the upcoming third Test.
Ben Stokes still in contention for the third Test match.
An England spokesman said, “The ECB will make an assessment of Ben Stokes’ availability after the trial in Bristol has concluded.”
Meanwhile, the third Test match will take place at Trent Bridge from 18 September, Saturday.
However, if Stokes is found guilty in the ongoing trial, he can face a lengthy ban. Stokes was superb with the ball in the first Test match and therefore, Joe Root and Trevor Bayliss will be happy to welcome him back into the side.
However, Stokes selection would have given a green chit by ECB chairman Colin Graves, chief executive Tom Harrison and acting team managing director Andy Flower.
Once the legal process is done, Stokes and Alex Hales will be interviewed by the disciplinary unit of the ECB. The panel will be led by Derbyshire batsman turned lawyer Tim O’Gorman. The panel can impose a ban on the players if they are found guilty. The jury might take another one week to come to a conclusion.
