Sydney: Suspended all-rounder Ben Stokes was included Thursday in England's squad for their one-day series against Australia, although whether he plays remains in doubt.

Stokes is currently banned from international cricket while British authorities probe his alleged involvement in a late-night fight outside a Bristol nightclub.

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 January 14.

Selectors said in a statement they were advised to name their strongest squad, and included 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.

New Zealand-born Stokes did not travel to Australia with the rest of the squad for the Ashes Test series, and has missed the first two in Brisbane and Adelaide, with England losing both of them.

But speculation that he is preparing for a dramatic call-up was fuelled by his decision to sign with New Zealand provincial side Canterbury as their overseas player in late November.

In his first limited overs match for his birth province against Otago, he was bowled for two.

He did better against Auckland on Wednesday, hitting 34 from 41 deliveries as he shakes off the rust.-AFP