London, Sep 26 - England have suspended their Test vice-captain Ben Stokes and top order batsman Alex Hales for Wednesdays fourth One-day International (ODI) against the West Indies after Stokes spent a night in prison while Hales is assisting police with their enquiries.
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\r\nStokes, who was arrested after an incident in Bristol during the early hours of Monday, was released without charge, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday.
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\r\nThe all-rounder was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm with a 27-year-old man suffering facial injuries and needing hospital treatment in Bristol following England's win over the Windies, where Stokes scored 73.
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\r\nThe pair missed nets on Tuesday before ECB chief Andrew Strauss revealed the duo will not play at the Oval.
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\r\n"Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will not be available for Wednesday's One-day International match against West Indies at the Oval," the ECB statement read.
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\r\n"Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, following an incident in Bristol. He was held overnight and released under investigation -- without charge -- late on Monday and will not join the team in London.
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\r\n"Hales, who was with Stokes on Sunday night, did not train this morning and has returned voluntarily to Bristol today to help police with their enquiries.
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\r\n"You will understand that we cannot offer further detail at this stage but will provide any updates when we can," the statement added.
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\r\nThe news comes less than 24 hours before England's Ashes squad to tour Australia was due to be announced.
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\r\nEngland ODI skipper Eoin Morgan has admitted the incident has been a distraction but quickly pointed out that the duo's absence will provide an opportunity for other players to make a mark in the series.
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\r\n"We found out Monday. It has been a bit of a distraction. But ultimately this game is about winning the series," Morgan said.
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\r\n"There are two positions up for grabs. I feel that we've got a strong enough squad to select from and fill that hole. So, hopefully it doesn't effect us too much.
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\r\n"There are two positions up for grabs. We'll make a decision on that ahead of tomorrow," Morgan added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n