England director of cricket Andrew Strauss has warned Ben Stokes that his position as Test vice-captain could be under threat if he fails to score runs. Stokes was arrested early on Monday following a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub, leaving a 27-year-old man in hospital with facial injuries. He spent a night in police cells before being released without charge, but investigations are ongoing.
Stokes was ruled out of Wednesday's fourth one-day international against West Indies at The Oval, which begins shortly after the Ashes squad announcement. There is every chance Strauss will strip Stokes of the vice-captaincy before England leave for Australia next month. Opening batsman Alex Hales, who was with Stokes, will also miss Wednesday's game after returning to Bristol to help police with their enquiries.
Details remain sketchy of what happened after a group of players went out to celebrate England's win in the third one-day international on Sunday at Bristol's Nevil Road. With no team curfew in place, it is understood Stokes and Hales became separated from five team-mates after visiting Bristol's late-night Mbargo bar before the incident. One report suggested the man who ended up in hospital had a verbal altercation with Stokes which became physical.
Stokes has a history of disciplinary issues, including a previous arrest for obstructing a police officer, being sent home from a Lions tour for excessive drinking, and fracturing his hand punching a locker. Asked whether Stokes' place in the squad would now be under threat, Strauss said he had instructed the selectors to pick players 'based on form and fitness, as they normally would'.
