Ben Stokes has said he is keen to clear his name after being charged with affray.
Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service announced on Monday the England allrounder had been charged following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.
Stokes and two other men are due to appear before Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a date to be fixed.
The 26-year-old has not played for England since the incident outside a nightclub, missing out on the Ashes tour to Australia. He did play in six domestic matches in New Zealand in December.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has also given Stokes permission to play in the Indian Premier League, which starts in April.
He posted on Twitter that he was ‘keen to have an opportunity’ to clear his name.
“I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one – the same day as the incident – and have cooperated at each step of the police inquiry,” he added.
“The CPS’ decision … at least means that my account of what happened that night can come out in court and be made public.”
Stokes was named last week in England’s Twenty20 squad for the tri-series against Australia and New Zealand next month but his participation was dependent on whether he was charged.
“ECB is aware that Ben Stokes has been charged with affray in relation to an incident in Bristol in September,” an ECB spokesperson said.
“The Board will now convene within 48 hours to decide on Ben Stokes’ availability to represent England at this stage.
“A further announcement will be made in due course.”
Arzydel
Guest
The other issues that the court will bring into account are aggravating and mitigating circumstances; from what I have heard, the actions of the guy he hit earlier in the night i.e. homophobic abuse of and threatening behaviour towards a gay couple, whom Stokes came to the defence of will make a huge difference. The case will cut through all the bs from the press we have to deal with in the uk
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Same frustration Pete. But the simple fact is, too many bad guys and not enough courts and coppers. Additionally, the CPS often 'plays time' for witnesses and evidence to come forward voluntarily before committing to charges and court time, since that can be the most costly process of all.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
Adsa, I didn't rub anybody's nose in it then (please produce the posts) although there were, and are, many on here who deserve(d) it. Thankfully there are more genuine fans of the game. And Nick. 'Haha Neil' Playground.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
No Ronan. I'm part of the balance. Not the first time you've got that wrong.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
And there we go - back playing for England. ANd the ECB didn't even bother waiting for the court case before selecting him. ECB now has zero credibility when it comes to player behaviour. Get into a drunken fight and break someone's eye socket? No problem, here's your plane ticket!
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Neil the great thing about you is that you're always a positive presence on here. Whereas some guys come on here and continuously whinge and expose themselves as chronic losers.
Mason Crane
Guest
Exhibit A - now that was funny mods...
Bakkies
Guest
Is Ben Stokes your mate?
TheCunningLinguistic
Guest
Your back & forth is quite entertaining, gents. By all means, keep it up!
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Judging by the aggression in many of his responses I'd say it's Ben Stokes himself! You know, after a night out on the turps...;)
Big Daddy
Guest
Can't fight , can't drink. It must have been joe the camera man.
Captain Cranky
Guest
I believe he's Ben Stokes' lawyer..
nick
Guest
ADSA that is too true. Haha Neil.
Adsa
Guest
Neil was as happy as a pig in muck around the time of England's rugby thrashing of the WallyB's but since the Ashes he is showing all the signs of his charisma bypass surgery being a success.
Adsa
Guest
Neil thanks for the link, I have not seen the full video of the stink. All the media shots I have seen are of the final few punches and not the bottle being brandished. Seems like the charge is fair and he has a good chance of defending it.
PeteB
Guest
My issue is why does it take so long to lay charges, particularly with video evidence ? Legal authorities around the world need to move a bit quicker. It’s costing us taxpayers here and abroad (in this case English taxpayers) a fortune while authorities over analyse crimes and drag them out to the nth degree. This case should have been to court already.
Neil Back
Roar Rookie
James, seriously mate, you have to know when to give up. It's usually when you stop making sense. You already passed that point a while back.
Giggsy
Guest
No one is better then Malcolm Marshall He was the greatest imo
jameswm
Guest
The NRL gets more practice. No wonder they're better at it...
jameswm
Guest
You work for the Australian government, Neil?