The Ashes 2017-18: England’s 16-man cricket squad land in Australia for series minus Ben Stokes — with captain Joe Root insisting he hopes for ‘good news’ surrounding all-rounder
ENGLAND’S cricketers landed in Australia as they prepare to defend The Ashes — but there was one notable omission.
Ben Stokes, who has been suspended from international duty pending an investigation into an alleged Bristol bar brawl in September, was not part of the 16-man squad.
Joe Root is backing England to retain Ashes in Australia seriesPA:Press AssociationJoe Root insists he hopes for ‘good news’ surrounding Ben StokesGetty ImagesJames Anderson arrives for the Ashes series at Perth airportAFP
Two gay men told The Sun that the all-rounder was defending them.
But he is absent for tourists as Avon & Somerset police continue their investigation.
Following England’s arrival Down Under, captain Joe Root insisted he hoped for “good news” surrounding Stokes.
He said: “As a friend, I hope [this] can be good news for Ben.
Former England captain Alastair Cook is all smiles as he arrives in AustraliaAFPJames Anderson signs autographs and is photographed by fans on arrivalAFP
“But the reality of it all is we’ve all got to wait and see. We’ve got to plan as if he’s not going to be here. “In terms of the criminal investigation, we have to let the police get on with that.
“There will be an internal investigation that follows.
“We’re completely in the dark as to what’s going to happen.”
England captain Joe Root signs autographs for fans after arriving in AustraliaAFP or licensorsSteve Finn poses for pictures with fans as he arrives in AustraliaGetty ImagesStuart Broad dons his sunglasses as he lands at Perth airport for AshesAFP
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Chris Woakes at Perth airport with England team for 2017 Ashes seriesGetty ImagesEngland cricket players kit bags are lined up outside of the team hotel after arrivalGetty ImagesBen Foakes walks past England fans as he arrives in Perth for Ashes seriesGetty ImagesAssistant coach Paul Collingwood arrives at Perth Airport with the England Test squadGetty Images
England regained the Ashes in 2015 series following a whitewash in Australia a year earlier.
It was humiliation over the 2014 Christmas period with the hosts winning 5-0.
Root and Co. will be looking to make amends this time around.
Moeen Ali is with the England squad as they land in Perth for AshesAFP
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