Ashes 2017/18: Ben Stokes Camp Does Not Know How Long the Investigation is Going to Take – Michael Hussey

Jan 6, 2019 at 3:51 AM

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Ashes 2017/18: Ben Stokes Camp Does Not Know How Long the Investigation is Going to Take – Michael Hussey

Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey has insisted even the Ben Stokes camp is in the dark over when the suspended England all-rounder will make his much-anticipated return to the cricket field in international cricket.

Stokes is currently under investigation by Avon & Somerset Police for the incident that took place outside a bar in Bristol on September 25. He is under investigation for allegations of causing Actual Bodily Harm with the ECB awaiting the police’s verdict before it launches its disciplinary proceedings.

Stokes is yet to get the clearance from the police (Credits: Getty)

However, speculations have raised that the aggressive player could make a sensational return to the ongoing Ashes after arriving in New Zealand with his full cricket kit. ECB, as of now, has made it clear the all-rounder went to New Zealand to be with his family, but many feel that the 26-year old has gone to the country to practise in the warm conditions.

Well, only time will tell whether he returns to the England team or not for the Ashes but as of now he and his team have no clue about the time when will it happen.

“I’ve spoken to his manager and I said to him ‘Look, what’s going on? Is he going to come and play? There’s people talking about the WACA Test,” Hussey said on The Unplayable Podcast.

“And he honestly said to me, ‘We don’t know. We don’t know how long this investigation is going to take. We’ve got no inclination whatsoever.’  It all comes down to when the police finish their investigation. Now, that might be in a few days, but it might be in a month, who knows,” he added.

Hussey also said the pace with which the investigation is being carried out, England might miss the services of their star player for the five-Test series. The batting legend also stated England would be keen to have Stokes on the team.

“If it does seem to take longer, and it is dragging out a long time, if it takes longer you can’t see him really playing part in the Ashes,” he said.

“If he does get cleared and things aren’t going well on tour I think (England) will be pretty keen to get him involved because he’s such a good player,” he added.

Stokes is currently in talks over New Zealand-based outfit Canterbury over plying his trade in limited-overs games. The club has already confirmed it has had “initial informal discussions” with Stokes’ team and should both parties reach an agreement; the ace all-rounder could play against Otago Volts in a 50-over match by week’s end.

Hussey further said arriving in New Zealand is a good move by Stokes, as it will give him the much-needed match practice if he returns to the national team for the Ashes.

“And that’s why I think it’s a good move to try and get some cricket under his belt, so he’s at least ready to go if he’s cleared in the investigation,” Hussey noted.

“At the moment, I’ve been told he’s been training in the Durham indoor nets, freezing cold up there and nothing like being outside playing getting match conditioning.

Stokes with his cricket kit at the airport

“I think it’s quite a smart move for him to fly down to New Zealand, visiting some family and friends. If he can get some outdoor cricket in some good conditions, good competition as well, get his skills up to scratch, so if things go his way and he’s not charged then he can join the England team, and he’s actually in some form,” he added.

Meanwhile, England is currently trailing the series after being thrashed by ten wickets in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba. The visitors could set Australia only a modest 170-run target which the hosts chased down without losing even a single wicket with both the openers – David Warner and debutant Cameron Bancroft scoring fifties.

The next match of the series will be the historic day-night Test in Adelaide, set to get underway from Saturday.

Also Read: (Ashes 2017/18: England Must Take Care of Ben Stokes if Cleared for Australia – Nasser Hussain)

(Ashes 2017/18: ECB Set to Act on Ben Stokes’ Return)

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