England drop Ben Stokes from squad for fourth ODI against West Indies post allrounder's arrest in Bristol

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has once again hit the headlines for the wrong reason after being arrested in Bristol in the early hours of Monday morning on charges of allegedly assaulting a man outside a nightclub. A 27‑year‑old man was taken to hospital after the incident.

Stokes, 26, was arrested by Avon and Somerset police on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm at 2.35am and spent the night in custody before being released under investigation without charge. He had been out after England’s 124-run win against West Indies on Sunday.

A statement issued by Avon and Somerset police said: "We were called to a disorder in Queens Road, Clifton, at around 2:35 am (0135 GMT) on Monday. "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."

England dropped the all-rounder from Wednesday’s fourth one-day international against the West Indies at The Oval along with his team-mate Alex Hales, who was present at the time of the incident but is understood to be a witness. Both players missed training on Tuesday, Hales having voluntarily returned to Bristol to give a statement to police.

The news broke on the day England’s selectors were picking their squad for this winter’s Ashes defence – they name the touring party at 10 am on Wednesday – with Andrew Strauss, the director of cricket, instructing the panel to make their deliberations as if Stokes was fit and available.

Whether this is the case remains shrouded in doubt. Strauss declined to confirm or deny suggestions that Stokes had undergone an x-ray on a hand following the incident, while there will also be a wait to see if he is charged before the squad depart for Australia on 28 October.