Confirmed! Ben Stokes to miss the third Test against India

Ben Stokes to miss the third Test

Ben Stokes who was ruled out of the second Test due to his ongoing trial of affray at Bristol Crown Court is all set to miss the third Specsavers Test at Trent Bridge regardless of the outcome of his trial at Bristol Court.

Ben Stokes is also facing a cricket discipline case which will resume within 48 hours of the end of the trial.

The cricket discipline case was put on hold because of his pending criminal proceedings.

The trial against Stokes continues on Monday and it is not expected to conclude until Wednesday and England mostly likely would name their squad till Tuesday.

Even if Stokes gets cleared he might get suspended from the remaining Tests as well because of his pending cricket disciplinary hearing.

A verdict on Stokes could be expected within a week which will then be ratified by a full meeting of the ECB’s board.

Stokes, on the other hand, will be eager to get back to the cricket field and rejoin his friends in England dressing room but as of now, England selectors will have to make peace without Stokes.

England are currently playing a five-match Test Series against India where the hosts have recorded a lead of 2-0 against their counterparts.

Chris Woakes, who was called in as a replacement for Ben Stokes proved his worth at Lord’s as he registered his maiden ton and took scalps in the first innings.

England is not looking lack-lustre even in Stokes absence but his skipper Joe Root has hailed him as one of the most important members of the England squad.

“Ben Stokes is a huge part of our squad and he was missed this week,” he said.

England will expect to register a win at Trent Bridge to clinch the series, whereas India will look forward to keeping their hopes alive for a series win against the hosts.