Ashes in Doubt for Ben Stokes as Police Call Up Key Witnesses

Oct 17, 2017 at 12:45 PM

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Ashes in Doubt for Ben Stokes as Police Call Up Key Witnesses

More dark clouds have started hovering over Ben Stokes’ participation in the Ashes, as the police have once again called the two men who they believe are key witnesses to the incident that took place outside the pub in Bristol which has jeopardised the all-rounder’s future in England cricket.

The police had previously appealed a fortnight ago for the duo to assist them with their investigation related to the brawl outside the Bristol pub on September 25 after which the England star was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm. Stokes, who fractured his hand during the brawl, was later released under police investigation.

“We’re renewing our appeal to trace two men we believe could be key witnesses to a disorder in Bristol in the early hours of Monday, 25 September,” read a statement released by Avon and Somerset Police on Monday (October 16).

A video released by The Sun showed Stokes landing punches on a man (Credits: The Sun)

“A 27-year-old man suffered minor facial injuries in the incident. The men we hope to talk to left Mbargo nightclub on Triangle West at 2.19am and walked in the direction of Queens Road with two other men,” it added.

Stokes’ participation in the Ashes is hanging by a thread (Credits: Getty)

The police further said that three other men had attended voluntary interviews out of which one is Stokes’ teammate Alex Hales who too was there when the incident took place.

Earlier, Stokes’ agent had said the all-rounder would come up with a “full explanation” of the incident at an appropriate time.

“Ben explained to me the full circumstances of what happened in Bristol, and I told him that he has my total support and backing,” said Stokes’ agent Neil Fairbrother in a statement. “I am aware that he has fully cooperated with the police inquiry and voluntarily provided a detailed statement on the same day as the incident. He will continue to assist the police in any way he can.

“Ben will also make public his full explanation and evidence when the time is right. On legal advice, that is not possible whilst the investigation continues, and no charges have been brought forward. Ben does not wish to prejudice the process.

“He is also concerned about the impact the widespread publicity has on everyone involved including the ECB, his teammates and the game of cricket itself which he loves.

“We will not be making any further comment relating to this at this time.”

Meanwhile, Stokes, who recently tied the knot, will not travel with the team to Australia but can join them at a later stage.

Stokes recently tied the knot with Clare Ratcliffe (Credits: Sky Sports)

He got initially named in the squad, but as of now, he has been indefinitely suspended by the England and Wales Cricket Board for his actions.

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