England vs India 2018: Ben Stokes Could Miss Third Test If Case Drags On
Aug 7, 2018 at 2:36 PM
England’s talisman all-rounder Ben Stokes could miss the third Test match at Trent Bridge if his affray charge case drags on. In fact, Ben Stokes is all set to miss the second Test match at Lord’s as he was to appear in Bristol Court.
Judge Peter Blair QC told the jury at Bristol Crown Court that Stokes needs to appear in court for two weeks. Thus, Stokes will have to make his appearance until the beginning to middle of next week.
England will be scratching their heads on the availability of Ben Stokes.
The third Test match at Trent Bridge will begin on 18 August and thus it raises questions over Stokes availability.
Therefore, the England think-tank will keep a close eye on the Stokes case. In fact, there is no assurance about the length of the case. Furthermore, the Monday hearing suggests that it might take a bit longer for the court to come to a conclusion.
In fact, only the opening statement was made on Monday. The prosecution had intended to start presenting evidence. However, due to a lengthy legal argument and extensive CCTV footage being shown, things could not move faster.
Prosecutor Nicholas Corsellis described Stokes as a man ‘of promise’, telling the jury he is a ‘professional cricket player who has reached the top of his profession and represented his country’.
Meanwhile, Ben Stokes was able to turn the tide in England’s favor in the opening session of Day 4 in the first Test match. The linchpin all-rounder scalped four wickets that even included the big fish, Virat Kohli.
There is no doubt that England is dearly going to miss the services of Ben Stokes. Thus, the hosts will hope that they get him back for the third Test.
On the other hand, Chris Woakes who recovered from his injury will fill in the big shoes of Ben Stokes.
The second Test match will begin on 9 August at home of cricket, Lord’s.