KP gives his verdict on Stokes and the Ashes

England great Kevin Pietersen has declared Ben Stokes should not be on the plane to Australia for the coming Magellan Ashes as police continue to investigate the star all-rounder’s arrest in Bristol.

While Pietersen described the 26-year-old firebrand as one of the “real good guys in the dressing room” in an interview with The Sunday Times, he said Stokes should not be allowed to tour and represent his country so soon after allegedly leaving a 27-year-old man requiring hospital treatment for facial injuries.

Stokes was arrested in the early hours of September 25 on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and later released after an altercation with several men. Teammate Alex Hales was with him at the time, but is unlikely to face charges, according to his lawyer Ian Kelcey.

Police are probing the incident, while ECB's independent Cricket Discipline Commission has launched an investigation.

Stokes’ absence for the blockbuster five-Test series would be a massive blow to England’s bid to retain the Ashes and he will not travel with the squad when they depart London on October 28, pending the outcome of the investigations.

“I can hardly watch the bit at the end, it is horrendous. That 45-second video is brutal,” Pietersen said.

"The more you watch it the more shocking it is. I have watched it with some influential leaders in business and the general view was, ‘you cannot represent your country with a video like that going around’. It is a view I agree with.

“Whether you like it or not, you become someone that people look up to. Someone that kids look up to.

“You cannot play for your country if you carry on like that. You cannot represent that badge.

“The more that you watch that video, the worse it gets. It is horrible, I can hardly watch the bit at the end, it is horrendous.”

Image Id: C1CAD74EEC8D4C3A95A42BDDB59B5A13 Image Caption: Ben Stokes at Jason Roy's wedding in France. Picture: Instagram @louisekwebber

Stokes is also a fiery character on field and it is not the first time he has collided with the law.

In 2011, he was arrested on a night out and received a caution from the police, while in 2013 he was sent home from an England Lions tour due to late-night drinking.

In 2014, he was ruled out of the World T20 after breaking his hand punching a locker.

In August, Stokes received a reprimand from the ICC following an "inappropriate comment" that was picked up on the stump microphone and by on-field officials during day two of the second Test against West Indies in Leeds.

Stokes was docked one demerit point for a breach of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, which relates to "using language or a gesture that is obscene". His total demerit points tally currently stands at three, just one point away from suspension.

“Australia is a hostile place and I don’t think with his personality, at least from what we have seen, I just don’t think it will work in Australia. Not this time,” Pietersen said.

“I wanted to look for excuses because I really like Stokesy and love watching him smash it.

“As a bloke he is one of the real good guys in the dressing room. He is a funny guy, just the heart and soul of the dressing room. I want to feel sorry for him.

“The world has seen this video. You cannot walk on proud as punch representing your country after this.

“Whatever the rights and wrongs of the case, I just don’t think you can play for England right now.

“People get fined and suspended for bad timekeeping, swearing, for appealing too much. I don’t think that you can represent your country in the next Test match after that.”

Following the announcement of Finn’s addition to the squad earlier this month, England Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss said he wanted some clarity around speculation of Stokes' Ashes future.

"With the Ashes just around the corner, it’s important to give the players, the coaching staff and supporters some clarity around a complex situation," Strauss said in a statement.

"This decision will help us in the weeks ahead and give every player and the whole England set-up the best chance to focus on the challenge ahead in Australia.

"Steven (Finn) is a high-quality cricketer, with considerable experience of both international cricket and Australian conditions.

"The Selectors believe he will add to the range of options and the squad will be further supported by the arrival of the Lions in Australia in November.

“We have spoken to Ben and assured him that our decision in no way prejudges the outcome of the ongoing Police investigation or Cricket Discipline Commission process, as can be seen by the award of Central Contracts."

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