Ben Stokes, Alex Hales included in England ODI squad against Australia
London, Dec 7 (CRICKETNMORE) - Controversial English cricketers Ben Stokes and Alex Hales have been included in the 16-man England One-Day International (ODI) squad for the five-match series against Australia starting in January. Australia will host England in the first
"The ECB Board has agreed that Alex Hales is available for team selection at this stage. This follows Police confirmation that he will face no charges and the independent Cricket Discipline Commission staying its disciplinary process.
"Should the ECB Board receive formal confirmation that Ben Stokes has either been charged or that he will face no charges, they would convene within 48 hours to make a decision on his availability for the team at that stage," the statement added.
Kent batsman Sam Billings and Durham seamer Mark Wood were also included in the squad that defeated West Indies (4-0) earlier this year.
National selector James Whitaker said: "With around 18 months to the start of the 2019 World Cup, our ODI side continues to make solid progress with series wins over the West Indies and South Africa last summer and a semi-final berth in the Champions Trophy.
"The forthcoming series against Australia presents another significant opportunity for this group to showcase their skills and talent against a quality side away from home.