Ben Stokes set to miss first Test against India in August

Ace English all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to miss the first Test match to be played against India at Lord’s commencing on August 1s1,2018. According to reports, the trial involving Ben Stokes, Ryan Hale, and Ryan Ali is likely to begin on 6th August at Bristol Crown Court, a day after the possible last day of the Test match.

For those unaware, Ben Stokes was arrested in the early hours of 25th September near a nightclub in Bristol, following his match-winning 73 off 63 balls against West Indies the previous day. Teammate Alex Hales was also present with the controversial English player. A few days later, videos emerged of Stokes throwing punches while being involved in a brawl.

Subsequently, the vice-captain of the English team, who was named in the squad touring Australia for the all-important 2017-18 Ashes series was removed from the squad, owing to the ongoing legal procedures. Fast bowler Steven Finn was announced as the replacement for Stokes.

Things got worse for the 26-year-old as New Balance, his kit sponsor, ended their contract worth 200,000 pounds with the Englishman.

However some good news came Stokes’ on 17 January as he was included in the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. ECB also announced that they will not stand in the way of Ben Stokes and his participation in the IPL. Stokes eventually went on to become the highest paid player in the auction after Rajasthan Royals acquired his services for a whopping Rs. 12.5 crores.