BEN Stokes has said he is keen to clear his name after being charged with affray.
Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service announced on Tuesday morning (EST) that the England all-rounder 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.
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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.”
