Alex Hales has been sanctioned by the England & Wales Cricket Board, alongside England teammate Ben Stokes, following a disciplinary hearing.

Although Hales was handed a six-match suspension in total, he remains available for selection having already missed two matches during the One-Day International series against the West Indies in September 2017.

The further four match ban is suspended for a period of 12 months. 

A statement issued by the ECB stated the following:

The CDC Disciplinary Panel today announced its decisions in cases brought against Ben Stokes and Alex Hales. The reasons for these decisions will be released in due course.

Both players were charged with two breaches of ECB Directive 3.3. Both players admitted each charge. The Panel held a separate hearing for each player and considered each charge individually.

Alex Hales

In respect of the first charge, relating to the incident in Bristol, the Panel imposes a suspension from playing for England for four white ball matches. It is accepted that Mr Hales has already missed two of these matches.

The remaining two matches will be suspended for a period of 12 months from the date of the hearing.

The Panel also imposes a fine of £7,500, of which £4,500 is suspended for a period of 12 months from the date of the hearing.

If Mr Hales commits any further serious breach of cricketing regulations within that 12-month period then at the discretion of the CDC the suspended elements of this penalty will be imposed.

In respect of the second charge, relating to inappropriate images, the Panel imposes a suspension of playing for England for two white ball matches. This penalty is suspended for 12 months from the date of the hearing.

The Panel also imposes a fine of £10,000, of which £5,500 is suspended for a period of 12 months from the date of the hearing.

As a condition of the suspension of elements of this penalty Mr Hales must undertake, at his own cost and within three months, appropriate training, as agreed and approved by the ECB. 

If he does not do so, or if he commits any further serious breach of cricketing regulations within that 12-month period then at the discretion of the CDC the suspended elements of this penalty will be imposed.

These penalties will apply cumulatively. Therefore, in total Mr Hales receives a six-match ban from England white ball matches, of which two matches have already been missed and four remain are suspended. He therefore remains eligible for immediate selection. Mr Hales is fined a total of £17,500, of which £10,000 is suspended.

The Panel makes no order as to costs. Each party will bear their own costs.

Stokes was banned for six matches, all of which have already been served.

Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of the ECB, said: “We accept the decisions made by the Cricket Discipline Commission and the sanctions they have given to Alex Hales and Ben Stokes.

“Each pleaded guilty, admitted their charges and has accepted their sanctions.

“They will now be available to play for England, with the same support as all of our players.

“Today is a very strong reminder of the values that sit at the heart of our game and the standards that should always be expected.”

Hales said: "I am relieved today's decision by the CDC means this chapter is now closed and I can move on with my career.

"There is no doubt I fell below the high standards expected of an international sportsman and that was the reason for my decision to admit the charges and accept the punishment handed down.

"More than anything, I sincerely apologise for putting myself in a position which allowed these very regrettable incidents to happen.

"Now all I want to do is concentrate on cricket. I'd like to thank everybody at Nottinghamshire for their support and I am delighted to have committed to helping out in several of the club's community schemes.

"I would also like to thank the Professional Cricketers' Association and the Team England Player Partnership who have offered a huge amount of support over the last 15 months.

"The next year is obviously an important one for England. I would love to be part of a squad that wins the World Cup in front of our own fans and I will be doing everything in my power to make that dream come true."