ASHES

England have suffered yet another setback ahead of the Ashes after Jake Ball sprained his ankle during the warm-up match against Cricket Australia XI.

Director of England Cricket Andrew Strauss is still hoping Ben Stokes can take part in the Ashes against Australia as he seeks clarity on the Durham man's situation.

The ashes of Moors Murderer Ian Brady were scattered in the sea after his body was cremated during a secret night time cremation in late October, it has been revealed.

An England side without Ben Stokes will be the underdogs for the Ashes, but captain Joe Root says his side are motivated to prove the critics wrong against Australia.

England cricketer hailed a 'real hero' by a gay couple who say he stepped in to defend them from abuse in Bristol.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej's son, King Maha Vajiralongkorn, collected the ashes and charred bones of his father – also known as King Rama IX – to be kept as royal relics.

Former Australia bowler Mitchell Johnson has warned his side not to underestimate an England team without Ben Stokes in the 2017/18 Ashes, which begins on 23 November.

Australia vice-captain David Warner has said he regrets comparing the Ashes series to war, claiming that he was just creating some buzz ahead of England's visit.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has issued a warning to the England players not to run themselves into the ground during their preparation for the Ashes in Australia.

Ben Stokes has been dropped by New Balance in light of his late-night brawl outside a Bristol nightclub in September, with the Durham man currently under police investigation.

Ben Stokes will not travel with England to Australia for the Ashes – for now – as he awaits clearance from a police investigation into the incident that saw him involved in a brawl.

Steven Finn has been drafted into the travelling squad with Stokes remaining subject to a police investigation and an internal disciplinary procedure.

England's all-rounder was arrested last month after being involved in a brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol.

Stokes was caught on video in a violent brawl last week.

The Ashes will begin on 23 November.

Stokes scores 102 not out and puts on stand of 159 with Eoin Morgan to claim 12th win in 13 games.

Cricket Australia has threatened not to pay players out of contract beyond 30 June.

The Adelaide Oval will host the first Ashes Test under floodlights in cricket history.

Alastair Cook is reportedly unsure on how long he wants to remain as England Test skipper.

The 26-year-old fast bowler has not featured for England since their tour of the UAE.

Jon Murton, 35, who targeted two pensioners during his burglary spree, handed himself in to police.