Sydney: Suspended all-rounder Ben Stokes was included on Thursday in England’s squad for their one-day series against Australia, with coach Trevor Bayliss bracing for “a circus” if he is cleared to play.

Stokes is currently banned from international cricket while British authorities probe his alleged involvement in a late-night fight outside a Bristol nightclub, and it remained in doubt whether he would play.

Batsman Alex Hales, who was caught up in the same fracas, was also named in the 16-man squad for the five-game series, starting in Melbourne on Jan.14.

Selectors said in a statement they were advised to name their strongest squad, and picked the pair accordingly.

“Both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes are included, though their involvement remains subject to any relevant legal or disciplinary developments in relation to the incident in Bristol in September,” they said.

Bayliss admitted Stokes’ potential appearance in Australia could be a distraction for the team.

“Whenever he comes back that’s going to be a bit of a circus for sure,” he told reporters after England lost the second Test in Adelaide on Wednesday. “Whether it’s any more of a circus than it’s already been, it’s hard to say. If it happens, let’s just get on with it and take it on the chin.”

He added: “We’ve got to adjust to that at some stage.”

Agence France-Presse