Vaughan: No need to keep clobbering Stokes with suspensions

The allrounder could still be barred from playing for England for an unspecified period of time, and fined, depending on the outcome of a hearing with the independent but ECB-funded CDC

^{Ben Stokes, left, and former England captain Michael Vaughan}

Michael Vaughan believes Ben Stokes should not face any further punishment from the Cricket Discipline Commission after he was found not guilty of affray.

Stokes was cleared by a jury at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday, the verdict coming unanimously, at the end of a seven-day trial.

The allrounder could still be barred from playing for England for an unspecified period of time, and fined, depending on the outcome of a hearing with the independent but ECB-funded CDC.

That is expected to take place in the next few weeks, and both Stokes and Alex Hales - who was out with his team-mate in Bristol on the night of the altercation which ended with the England talisman's arrest - could face charges of bringing the game into disrepute.

^{Stokes was cleared of affray on Tuesday}

Having already missed the Ashes series and the subsequent ODIs in Australia already through suspension, enforced by the ECB after he was charged by Avon & Somerset Police, Vaughan thinks Stokes has already served his time. 

"I believe he has suffered enough punishment already and the cricket disciplinary case against him should take into account the time he has already served after missing the five Tests and one-day series in Australia," Vaughan wrote in his Daily Telegraph column.

"There is no question he brought the game into disrepute but cricketers have few opportunities in their lives to play an Ashes series in Australia and missing that tour was a massive blow for Ben.

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"There is no need to keep clobbering him with suspensions."

For the meantime, Stokes has been added to the Test squad for the upcoming clash with India, due to start at Trent Bridge on Saturday.

“I totally agree with Ben being added to the squad for the third Test on Saturday as long as he feels ready to, which no doubt he does," wrote Vaughan.