Ben Stokes will not travel with the England squad to Australia "at this stage" - but the Cumbrian has been awarded a new central contract.

The England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB] have made no final decision on Stokes' involvement in this winter's Ashes tour but, as things stand, he will travel later than the rest of the squad.

Stokes, from Cockermouth, is currently under investigation by police having been arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in Bristol last month.

Steven Finn has been added to the England squad, the ECB have also said.

An ECB statement read: "England selectors have added Steven Finn to the squad for the Ashes Tests, in light of the ongoing investigation by Avon & Somerset Police, the cricket discipline commission process and all other considerations.

"Finn will travel to Australia with the England Test team for the full five-match Ashes series, leaving on Saturday, October 28.

"Ben Stokes will not travel at this stage, though no final decision has been taken on his involvement in Australia."

"With the Ashes just around the corner, it’s important to give the players, the coaching staff and supporters some clarity around a complex situation," said England director of cricket Andrew Strauss.

"This decision will help us in the weeks ahead and give every player and the whole England set-up the best chance to focus on the challenge ahead in Australia."

But 26-year-old Cumbrian Stokes has been awarded with Test match, One-Day International and Twenty20 central contracts for the 2017/18 period.

Strauss added: "We have spoken to Ben and assured him that our decision in no way prejudges the outcome of the ongoing police investigation or cricket discipline commission process, as can be seen by the award of central contracts."

The list of central contracts for 2017/18 also sees Jake Ball receive a white-ball contract for the first time.