We'd welcome Stokes with open arms: Woakes

Chris Woakes says England would welcome Ben Stokes back into their Ashes squad “with open arms” as a resolution to his police case appears to be drawing closer.

The star allrounder arrived in New Zealand on Wednesday ahead of a possible call-up into Canterbury’s squad for Sunday’s domestic 50-over match against Otago Volts.

There is now a growing feeling England will attempt to parachute Stokes into their squad in time for the third Ashes Test in Perth next month.

Nothing officially has changed regarding the England & Wales Cricket Board’s stance on the 26-year-old – with their hands tied until there is a resolution of the police investigation into his late-night altercation in Bristol in September.

However, it is expected that a decision to charge Stokes or not could come as early as Wednesday UK time, paving the way for his inclusion in the Magellan Ashes series against Australia.

The ECB have already granted Stokes a No Objection Certificate to play in New Zealand. It is also expected that if he is not charged by police any sanctions from the board’s own disciplinary commission will be back-dated. Having missed two ODIs against West Indies at the end of the northern summer and two Ashes Tests already, Stokes is likely to be freed to join England’s squad in Perth.

The ECB have already confirmed a decision on the matter will be made within 48 hours of any news from police, paving the way for Stokes’ international return to be fast-tracked.

Even if he is charged, he would not be required to return to the UK until he is required in court. That would not be until January at the very earliest. Whether or not England would feel comfortable picking him under those circumstances remains to be seen.

The squad, though, are excited by the prospect of Stokes joining them.

Woakes, speaking to BBC radio in Adelaide today, said: “As an England team we’d like to see him here. As a player, as a friend I’d like to see him here. “No one likes to see what he’s been through. Of course, we’d have him here with open arms, I’m sure. Ben’s a world-class cricketer and he’d make any team in the world better so it’d be silly of us to not open it up for him to come into the squad.”

On the possibility of Stokes playing in New Zealand, Woakes added: “It’s great for Ben, isn’t it? Having had two months away from the game, with a lot that stuff going around it’ll be great for him to get outdoors. I know he’s been training indoors as we’ve all seen, but nothing beats playing cricket outdoors.

“For him to be out there playing cricket when you’ve been kept in at home for a while it’ll be great for him. It’s great to see him back doing what he loves and what he’s good at.

“It’s good news for the squad as well, it doesn’t mean he’s arriving anytime soon, but at the same it means he’s a little bit closer I suppose. Fingers crossed he can get out there, play some cricket, get some form under his belt and who knows?”

England know the thought of Stokes, the best allrounder in world cricket, playing some part in the Ashes is unlikely to be welcomed by Australia.

And it seems his chances of tuning up for a possible return in the third Test at the WACA by playing in New Zealand are good.

Canterbury have yet to decide whether to allow Stokes to join their squad.

But coach Gary Snead said: “From my point of view I think if you get someone like that then let’s do it.

“We’re acutely aware that if this does get across the line there is something else obviously hanging over his head — and that could happen at any stage. There’s no time period or time frame on that for us.”

2017-18 International Fixtures

Magellan Ashes Series

Australia Test squad: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine (wk), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.

England Test squad: Joe Root (c), James Anderson (vc), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball, Gary Ballance, Stuart Broad, Alastair Cook, Mason Crane, Tom Curran, Ben Foakes, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Chris Woakes.

First Test Australia won by 10 wickets. Scorecard

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Tickets

Fifth ODI Perth Stadium, January 28. Tickets

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Tickets

Gillette T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 14

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21