Circus' fears as Stokes included

Suspended all-rounder Ben Stokes was included in England’s squad for their one-day series against Australia, with coach Trevor Bayliss bracing for “a circus” if he is cleared to play.

Stokes is currently banned from international cricket while British authorities probe his alleged involvement in a late-night fight outside a Bristol nightclub, and it remained in doubt whether he would play.

Batsman Alex Hales, who was caught up in the same fracas, was also named in the 16-man squad for the five-game series, starting in Melbourne on January 14.Selectors said they were advised to name their strongest squad, and picked the pair accordingly. “Both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes are included, though their involvement remains subject to any relevant legal or disciplinary developments in relation to the incident in Bristol in September,” they said in a statement.

Bayliss admitted Stokes’ potential appearance in Australia could be a distraction for the team. “Whenever he comes back that’s going to be a bit of a circus for sure,” he said after England lost the second Test in Adelaide.

“Whether it’s any more of a circus than it’s already been, it’s hard to say.

If it happens, let’s just get on with it and take it on the chin. We’ve got to adjust to that at some stage.”

New Zealand-born Stokes did not travel to Australia with the rest of the squad for the Ashes, and has missed the first two Tests, with England losing both. But speculation that he is preparing for a dramatic call-up was fuelled by his decision to sign with New Zealand provincial side Canterbury as their overseas player in late November.

In his first limited-overs match for his birth province against Otago, he was bowled for two. He did better against Auckland on Wednesday, hitting 34 from 41deliveries as he shakes off the rust.

Stokes could yet return mid-series to the Ashes if police decide not to charge him.