England could fast-track Ben Stokes into Ashes side if he is not charged by police

• All-rounder has flown to New Zealand and could play for Canterbury
• ECB is still unaware of any impending police action against Stokes

England may fast-track Ben Stokes into the Ashes if he avoids police charges. He appears set to play for Canterbury Kings in New Zealand’s Ford Trophy this weekend, while his England team-mates are contesting the second Ashes Test with Australia in Adelaide.

There has been no police update since the all-rounder was arrested and released under suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in September. But the Press Association understands that the England and Wales Cricket Board has a contingency in place should Avon & Somerset Police clear the 26-year-old.

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from The Guardian http://ift.tt/2zMmDCZ