Ben Stokes has been named in the England cricket team to play India, just days after being cleared of affray.
The 27-year-old will replace Sam Curran, 20, in the third Test at Trent Bridge.
It was “probably one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make as captain”, Joe Root said, adding that he had “no doubt” Stokes was in the right frame of mind to play.
Root said: “I sat him down yesterday and asked him where he’s at and he told me he’s desperate to get out there.
“He wants to put in performances and concentrate on his cricket now.
“He felt he was ready to play. We assessed his fitness as well and made that call.”
Stokes played a big part in England’s win in the tight opening Test at Edgbaston, taking six wickets.
On Tuesday, Stokes was found not guilty of affray following a fight outside a nightclub in the Clifton area of Bristol almost 11 months ago.
Yesterday one of his co-defendants, Ryan Hale, who was hit by Stokes, said he should have been treated as a victim of unlawful assault.
England coach Trevor Bayliss has said he would encourage Stokes to make a public apology – adding that the player had already said sorry to teammates in New Zealand last winter.
Bayliss added that Stokes’ return to the squad was “for his own well-being”.
Discussing Curran, who put in a man-of-the-match performance at Edgbaston, Root said it was “about us as a squad performing collectively for five games”.
“On this occasion he’s unfortunate to miss out,” Root added, “but what he’s done so far has been nothing short of high class.”
The side also won the second Test at Lord’s.
One more win will give them victory in the five Test series.
From – SkyNews
