Joe Clarke: Affray case against Nottinghamshire batsman dropped

The 25-year-old was charged following an incident in Powys last year

Nottinghamshire's Joe Clarke will not stand trial for affray. (PA Archive)

Nottinghamshire batsman Joe Clarke is no longer facing a charge of affray after the case against him was dropped.

The 25-year-old, who is rated as one of the most talented county players yet to receive a senior England cap, was charged following an incident in Powys last year and was expecting to stand trial in Mold Crown Court this week.

Clarke, alongside four co-defendants, submitted a not guilty plea at an initial hearing and has now been advised that the matter has been closed due to a lack of evidence.

A spokesperson for Clarke said: “Joe maintained his innocence throughout and co-operated fully with police in providing an account of the incident. Appearing before Welshpool Magistrates’ Court in June, Joe entered a not-guilty plea.

“We are pleased to advise that after a review of the evidence conducted by the Crown Prosecution Service following Joe’s first appearance, they have concluded that there was insufficient evidence and the case against Joe has been formally discontinued.”

Clarke could now play in Nottinghamshire’s final Vitality Blast group match against Leicestershire on Friday, with the reigning champions sitting top of the North section. He will then join up with Manchester Originals, his franchise for The Hundred, and is expected to play in the first men’s match of the new tournament against Oval Invincibles on 22 July.