Ben Stokes to miss 3rd Test, may be unavailable for rest of the series

Since the trial is still underway, he might lose his place in the team yet again

English all-rounder Ben Stokes is likely to miss to miss the third Test against India, beginning on Saturday at Tent Bridge, Nottingham.

Apart from his trial for affray at Bristol Crown Court, the 27-year-old is also facing a cricket discipline case which has been put on hold pending the end of criminal proceedings, prompting speculations in the local media that he could also miss the rest of the Test series.

Since the trial is still underway, he might lose his place in the team yet again as England Cricket Board (ECB) will name its squad for the third Test tomorrow.

Ben Stokes leaving Bristol Crown Court just now after his affray trial breaks for lunch. Closing speeches of both the prosecution and Stokes’ barrister now complete. Just Ali’s to come. Then judge’s summing up pic.twitter.com/3NQv8wygZl

— Dan Roan (@danroan) August 13, 2018

Stokes remained one of the match-winners in Birmingham. He took four wickets in the second innings including that of skipper Virat Kohli. But the home team did not miss the services of their star all-rounder during the second Test at Lord's as Chris Woakes, his replacement, contributed handsomely with bat and ball.

England lead the five-match series 2-0, reducing the pressure on the team management to rush back Stokes even if he is found not guilty.