Ben Stokes keen to 'clear name' after England cricketer charged with affray over Bristol nightclub incident

All-rounder is among three men charged with affray by Avon and Somerset Police

Stokes said he looked forward to describing his account of the event in court (Getty)

England cricketer Ben Stokes insists he wants to clear his name after he was charged with affray on Monday in relation to an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last September.

The Durham all-rounder missed the Ashes tour after being arrested while on a night out with England teammates and other friends during the one-day series against the West Indies.

Stokes was allegedly involved in a street fight that was recorded on a camera phone and a decision was taken by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to leave him out of the five-match Ashes series against Australia – which England lost 4-0 – until the matter was closed.

Avon and Somerset Police issued a statement on Monday afternoon to confirm that the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Stokes to be charged with affray, along with two other individuals.

“Three men have today been charged in connection with an incident of disorder on Queens Road, Bristol, on 25 September last year,” the statement read.

“A thorough investigation was carried out into the incident by Avon and Somerset Police before a comprehensive file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service on 29 November.

“Having carefully considered the evidence, the CPS has today authorised Ben Stokes, 26, of Durham, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, to each be charged with one count of affray.

“They will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a date to be confirmed.

“All those concerned are reminded that criminal proceedings are now live and the defendants have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings.”

Stokes was initially named in the England squad for the Ashes, but the ECB announced that he would not be considered for selection “until further notice” following the incident.

Upon being charged, Stokes issued a statement to thank those who have supported him during the investigation and insists that he wants to share his side of the incident, but will wait to do so until the court hearing after advice from his legal team.

“I want to thank all those who have continued to support me in relation to the Bristol incident, not least my family, friends, fans and teammates,” Stokes said in a statement posted on Twitter.

“I gave my 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. I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but, on advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial.

Stokes played six games for Canterbury in New Zealand before returning last month (Getty)

“The CPS’ decision to charge me, as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, at least means that my account of what happened that night can come out in court and be made public. Until then, my focus is very much on cricket.”

The ECB cleared Stokes to play for New Zealand side Canterbury in November, but after playing three one-day games and three T20s, he returned to the UK to spend Christmas with his family. He has since been given approval to compete in the Indian Premier League, but has been replaced in the England One-Day International squad against Australia this month by teammate Dawid Malan.