Despite recent arrest, Stokes named in England Ashes squad

Ben Stokes was included in England's 16-man squad for the Ashes tour of Australia announced Wednesday despite his recent arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm. Durham all-rounder Stokes was dropped for Wednesday's fourth one-day international against West Indies at The Oval after being arrested early on Monday in Bristol following England's win in the third ODI in the southwest city on Sunday. The 26-year-old remains under investigation after being released without charge.

James Vince and Gary Ballance have been recalled as part of England’s 16-man Ashes party, which also includes Ben Stokes #Ashes pic.twitter.com/RCAl1734Ae

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 27, 2017

England national selector James Whitaker later told the BBC that Stokes would remain in his position of vice-captain to Test skipper Joe Root. The squad contained three uncapped players in 23-year-old Somerset fast bowler Craig Overton, 20-year-old Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane, who will provide spin support to Moeen Ali, and Surrey wicket-keeper Ben Foakes, 24, included as cover for first-choice gloveman Jonny Bairstow. Meanwhile there were recalls for middle-order batsmen James Vince and Gary Ballance despite the pair's struggles during their previous Test stints.

England confirm Ben Stokes has a ''minor fracture" in his right hand, but is expected to be fit to take a full part in the Ashes. pic.twitter.com/J7fFb3oeCe

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) September 27, 2017

Essex batsman Tom Westley, who failed to convince at number three during this season's home series against South Africa and West Indies was dropped, while there was no recall for Durham paceman Mark Wood. Toby Roland-Jones was ruled out following the Middlesex seamer's recent stress fracture of the back. Ashes-holder England are due to travel to Australia on October 28, with the first of five Tests against their arch-rivals set to start in Brisbane on November 23.

England confirm that @benstokes38 remains vice captain. #BBCCricket pic.twitter.com/WTpLylfzgy

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) September 27, 2017

ENGLAND SQUAD Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (C), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Gary Ballance, Jake Ball, Craig Overton, Mason Crane and Ben Foakes FIXTURES Nov 23-27: 1st Test, Brisbane Dec 02-06: 2nd Test, Adelaide (day/night) Dec 14-18: 3rd Test, Perth Dec 26-30: 4th Test, Melbourne Jan 04-08: 5th Test, Sydney