England star Ben Stokes is to appear in court on affray charges on the same day he was supposed to be making his international comeback in a T20 match in New Zealand.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the cricketer is due at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on February 13 to face the charge, brought following an incident outside a nightclub in the city in September.
The 26-year-old Durham all-rounder, who missed the Ashes after being suspended from playing for England, is accused of affray alongside two other men.
The charge follows a fight in the Clifton Triangle area of Bristol during the early hours of September 25 – several hours after England had played a one day international against the West Indies in the city.
It is alleged a 27-year-old man suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident, in which fellow England cricketer Alex Hales was also present.
Stokes had earlier said he was “extremely delighted” to be back in the frame for England selection after the England and Wales Cricket Board announcement on Wednesday.
In a statement posted on Twitter after the charge was announced on Monday, Stokes wrote: “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.
“I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one – the same day as the incident – and have co-operated 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.
“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 two other men who have been charged are Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26.
The charge of affray is made under the Public Order Act 1986 and effectively relates to fighting in public.
It is an triable either-way offence which means it can be heard in either the magistrates’ court or the crown court.
It carries a maximum penalty when tried summarily – in the magistrates’ court – of a fine or up to six months in prison and when tried on indictment – in the crown court – of up to three years in prison.
Without Stokes England lost the Ashes to Australia 4-0.
While England were in Australia Stokes played a few games for Canterbury Kings during a month-long spell in New Zealand before returning home to England.