ENG v IND 2018: "Ben Stokes should play without any fuss after not found guilty," says Nasser Hussain

Stokes will have to go through ECB's disciplinary hearing after being involved in a brawl.

Ben Stokes | GETTY

England cricketer Ben Stokes finally got relief from the jury after an 11-month trial for his role in a street brawl outside a Bristol nightclub last year. Stokes had to miss the second Test because of hearing and now as he is clear from all charges, former England skipper Nasser Hussain said it's time for an instant return.

Stokes showed great mental fight and Hussain is impressed.  “I am amazed how well he has coped mentally over the last few months with this hanging over him and as long as they feel he is mentally fit for selection then they should pick him,” he told Sky Sports News.

Talking about a down-to-earth character of Stokes, Hussain added, “The Ben I know and who I see around the cricket team is a popular, unassuming, down-to-earth, very pleasant individual that will stay after a game and do autographs with kids for an hour and give his time."

“But I only see Stokes at cricket, so Ben has to make a decision - the image we see of him at cricket is probably not the image that has been portrayed over the last six months in the newspapers.”

The England Cricket Board will have their own disciplinary process for Stokes and Alex Hales, who was also there during the incident. Nasser wants ECB to set an example with the outcome of their internal hearing. “They need to make a detailed and informed decision on whether those images are right for English cricket,” he said.

Other ex-England cricketers also came forward in support of Stokes. Michael Vaughan said that the all-rounder should be left alone as he has already suffered enough during the last few months.

“There is no need to keep clobbering him with suspensions. There is no question he brought the game into disrepute but cricketers have few opportunities in their lives to play an Ashes series in Australia and missing that tour was a massive blow for Ben," Vaughan said to the Daily Telegraph.

Another former England skipper and batsman Kevin Pietersen said Stokes’ return can only benefit the sport. “All sports need their entertainers. Stokes is one of those for cricket. He’s been cleared, HE HAS TO PLAY!,” the 38-year-old said.

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 16 Aug, 2018

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