ECB suspends Stokes, Hales from international duty

All-rounder Ben Stokes' role in the upcoming Ashes series has come under serious doubt after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that he and his team-mate Alex Hales will not be considered for selection in the international matches until further notice.

The Test vice-captain, however, was named in England's Ashes squad, despite injuring his hand in the incident that led to his arrest in Bristol on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.

Hales was with Stokes at that time and is now assisting police with their enquiries.

"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," the ECB said in a statement.

"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 board added.

Stokes, who was held overnight and released under investigation late on Monday, and Hales were also dropped from the fourth ODI of the ongoing four-match series against West Indies.

Meanwhile, England have roped in Dawid Malan into the squad for the final ODI against the Caribbean side to be held at the Rose Bowl Cricket Ground in Hampshire later today.

-ANI