England’s Stokes, Hales cleared for West Indies tour

Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will miss no England games as a result of their part in a fight outside a Bristol nightclub in September 2017.

The duo faced a Cricket Disciplinary Commission but the subsequent bans were adjudged to be either suspended or already served.

Allrounder Stokes, who was cleared of affray in August, has been fined a total of £30 000 and batsman Hales £17,500, £10,000 of which is suspended for 12 months from now.

Stokes said in a statement: “The criminal charges and, subsequently, the disciplinary charges have made it difficult to make public comment about the issues. I have already apologised to my team-mates, coaches and support staff for the consequences of my actions in Bristol.

“I regret the incident ever happened and I apologise to England supporters and to the public for bringing the game in to disrepute.

“Cricket and family are my life. This incident has been a huge burden for the last 15 months. I am relieved to get back to playing the game that I love without this hanging over me.

“Although the disciplinary process is now over, I have learned lessons that will stay with me for much longer.”

A statement from Hales read: “I am relieved today’s decision by the CDC means this chapter is now closed and I can move on with my career.

“There is no doubt I fell below the high standards expected of an international sportsman and that was the reason for my decision to admit the charges and accept the punishment handed down.

“Now all I want to do is concentrate on cricket. I’d like to thank everybody at Nottinghamshire for their support and I am delighted to have committed to helping out in several of the club’s community schemes.”

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