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Stokes in the dark on return: Hussey

As the England allrounder touches down in New Zealand, Mike Hussey reveals the Ben Stokes camp is none the wiser over his Ashes fate

Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey has revealed Ben Stokes' camp has "no inclination" when the investigation into the allrounder's alleged assault will conclude as he steps up his preparations in the hope of getting the all clear to play in the Magellan Ashes.

Stokes landed in Christchurch today as part of a trip to visit family, and he could play in New Zealand's domestic one-day competition this weekend in what would his first match back following his arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

It's believed police could announce within 48 hours the outcome of their investigation into Stokes's alleged involvement the Bristol incident.

Stokes didn't answer any cricket questions on arrival in his country of birth, only saying he was "looking forward to seeing mum and dad" and planned to "work on my golf swing", with the Canterbury Cricket Association's board set to meet on Wednesday to discuss whether they will sign Stokes.

Image Id: E43C3266DFEA4020AD348E78F90A6B22 Image Caption: Stokes welcomed by his father Gerard in Christchurch // Getty

Having been initially named in England's squad for the Ashes series, Stokes became "unavailable for selection" for his country following the incident two months ago and remains that way while the police carry out its investigation and decide whether or not to charge the 26-year-old.

Speaking on this week's episode of The Unplayable Podcast, Hussey said he has no idea if or when Stokes will return to international cricket and that the dynamic allrounder's camp is in the same boat.


"I've spoken to his manager and I said to him 'Look, what's going on? Is he going to come and play? There's people talking about the WACA Test.'," Hussey said.

"And he honestly said to me, 'We don't know. We don't know how long this investigation is going to take. We've got no inclination whatsoever.' 

"It all comes down to when the police finish their investigation. Now, that might be in a few days but it might be in a month, who knows. 

"If it does seem to take longer, and it is dragging out a long time, if it takes longer you can't see him really playing part in the Ashes. 

"If he does get cleared and things aren't going well on the tour I think (England) will be pretty keen to get him involved because he's such a good player.  

"And that's why I think it's a good move to try and get some cricket under his belt so he's at least ready to go if he's cleared in the investigation."

Image Id: 89E6E8264C5E4D66971DBA855C81379B Image Caption: Stokes touches down in New Zealand // Getty

Stokes was issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the England and Wales Cricket Board last Friday, which would allow him to play cricket in New Zealand.

Canterbury confirmed it has had "initial informal discussions" with Stokes' team and should both parties reach an agreement, the firebrand could be lining up against Otago Volts in a 50-over match by week's end.

Canterbury coach Gary Stead said on Wednesday a meeting of the club's board could determine whether Stokes plays or not.

"Ultimately if our board says 'no', it won't happen, but if we agree to it, we're hopeful New Zealand Cricket (will approve)," Stead told radio station RSN927

"There's been a lot of obviously media stuff around this, but it's a real positive thing for us as well.

"I hope, certainly from a coaching point of view, we can make this work."

The best moments from the Gabba Test

Through social media, Stokes released footage of himself training indoors in England prior to his departure to the Antipodes but bowling balls in an empty net is a world away from the intensity of Ashes Test cricket.

It has been speculated that Stokes could return for the third Test in Perth, depending on the progress of the investigation, and should that be the case Hussey says preparing and playing across the Tasman Sea in the southern hemisphere's summer is a wise decision.

"At the moment, I've been told he's been training in the Durham indoor nets, freezing cold up there and nothing like being outside playing getting match conditioning," Hussey said. 

"I think it's quite a smart move for him to fly down to New Zealand, visiting some family and friends.

"If he can get some outdoor cricket in some good conditions, good competition as well, get his skills up to scratch so if things go his way and he's not charged then he can join the England team and he's actually in some form. 

"He wouldn't hardly have picked up a bat for quite a period of time since the incident and he broke his hand as well. 

"He needs to be playing because if he's doing absolutely nothing and then he's cleared it's a tough ask for him to come into the cauldron of an Ashes series and have an impact right from the word go.

"He's going to need a bit of lead-up time in the middle."

The second Ashes Test starts on Saturday in Adelaide with Australia holding a one-nil series lead following their 10-wicket win at the Gabba. 

- With AAP

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