Stokes breaks finger in Bristol bust up

England say Ben Stokes will be fit for the Magellan Ashes despite breaking a finger in his bowling hand during an incident earlier this week that led to his arrest.

But England's Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss says the allrounder's current status as Test vice-captain is pending disciplinary procedures.

Stokes was released without charge after an incident in Bristol early on Monday morning and while police are continuing their investigations, the 26-year-old was on Wednesday named as England's vice-captain in their 16-man squad to tour Australia.

England confirmed on Wednesday that Stokes has a minor fracture in his right little finger that requires further tests, but isn't expected to rule him out of the first Test starting on November 23.

However, it's yet to be confirmed whether he will be fit to participate in England's three-warm up games - the first of which starts on November 4 - before the first Test gets underway.

While he's seemingly clear to play, Strauss said his position as vice-captain will depend on the outcomes of an internal ECB disciplinary hearing.

"My instinct is to treat players like adults on and off the field," Strauss told Sky Sports.

"That kind of attitude creates a harmonious environment, which actually enables performance.

"That philosophy is a sound one. Obviously when things like this happen you have to step back and ask 'are we doing this right'?

"We've got nothing to hide here. We're absolutely certain that we don't want to see these sort of incidents happen in the future." 

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

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

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

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

ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

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

T20 trans-Tasman Tri-Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

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

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

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

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

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21