Ben Stokes will be able to play a full part in Australia this winter despite fracturing the little finger in his right hand, England director of cricket Andrew Strauss has said.
The all-rounder is believed to have sustained the injury during an incident in Bristol in the early hours of Monday morning, after which he was arrested by police.
He has since been released without charge and on Wednesday was formally included in the 16-man Ashes touring party, retaining his role as vice-captain.
Ben Stokes has sustained a minor fracture to his right hand following an incident in Bristol
The England all-rounder is expected to be able to play a full part in the Ashes series
However, prior to the start of the first Test in Brisbane on November 23, he will need to recover from the ‘minor fracture’.
Police have launched an inquiry and are appealing for witnesses, with Stokes’ team-mate Alex Hales assisting officers.
Stokes did not train with his England team-mates on Tuesday and does not feature in Wednesday’s match against West Indies.
Police confirmed the incident happened close to the Mbargo nightclub, although it is unclear whether Stokes had been inside the venue.
An English Cricket Board statement on Wednesday read: ‘Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for tomorrow’s One-Day International match against West Indies at The Oval.
The incident involving Stokes happened outside the Mbargo night club in Bristol
Avon and Somerset Police tweeted asking for information relating to the incident
Stokes has been ruled out of England’s fourth ODI against the West Indies
‘Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol.
‘He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – late on Monday and will not join the team in London.
‘Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night, did not train this morning and has returned voluntarily to Bristol today to help Police with their enquiries.
‘You will understand that we cannot offer further detail at this stage but will provide any updates when we can.’
Avon and Somerset Police later confirmed: ‘We were called to a disorder in Queens Road, Clifton at around 2.35am on Monday (25 September).
‘A 27-year-old man was found to have suffered facial injuries and was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary for treatment.
‘A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and has since been released under investigation.’
More follows.
Andrew Strauss reads out an ECB statement confirming that Stokes had been arrested
The ECB director of cricket confirmed that Stokes will be fit to play in the Ashes