Hales cleared to play, Stokes verdict stalled

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed on Monday night hard-hitting opener Alex Hales is now eligible for England selection but allrounder Ben Stokes remains "unavailable".

Hales was suspended by the ECB for his alleged involvement in a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in September that saw Ben Stokes arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.

While Stokes' short-term international future and Magellan Ashes participation remains clouded, Hales is now fit for an England recall should the selectors give him a nod.

"Alex Hales will now be considered for England selection, following confirmation that he is no longer a suspect in relation to an incident in Bristol in September," an ECB statement read.

"The ECB Board has convened via conference call to make the decision after being informed that Hales is deemed a witness and will face no charges.

"The independent Cricket Discipline Commission [CDC] has stayed the internal disciplinary process for both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes until the conclusion of any potential criminal proceedings relating to the incident."

Hales is now in line to be included in England's ODI squad for the five-match Gillette ODI Series in January, which will likely be announced at the conclusion of the second Test in Adelaide.

The 28-year-old has also received a 'No Objection Certificate' to play in the inaugural T10 Cricket League in Dubai from December 21, just as Stokes was allowed to play in New Zealand yesterday in the local domestic 50-over competition.

Stokes made two and recorded figures of 0-49 from nine overs with the ball in his cricket comeback with Canterbury against Otago.