Steven Finn has been added to the England squad for the Ashes Tests in light of the ongoing police investigation into all-rounder Ben Stokes.
Finn will join up with the rest of the England Test squad that flies out to Australia on Saturday October 28. As it stands Stokes will not be on the plane, though the ECB confirmed today that “no final decision has been taken on his involvement in Australia”.
The 28-year-old Finn has played 36 Tests for England, taking 125 wickets, and last featured in the tour of Bangladesh last October.
Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss said: “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.
“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 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."
As expected Stokes was handed a new central contract for both Test and white ball cricket despite being banned from selection since his arrest last month on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.
