Stokes set to miss Test against India
London: England allrounder Ben Stokes pleaded not guilty on Monday via video link to a charge of affray over a nightclub incident that forced him out of the Ashes tour. The powerful allrounder, currently with the England squad in New Zealand, looks set to miss the second Test against India at Lord’s, with his trial set for August 6. Stokes and two other men pleaded not guilty to the charge during a 15-minute hearing at Bristol Crown Court, in the southwest of England. Stokes, 26, wearing a grey shirt, said, “hi judge” when he was introduced to Judge Peter Blair via the video link. The two other defendants, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, appeared in person at the court. Judge Blair set a date of August 6 for the trial, which is expected to last between five and seven days. The second Test against India starts on August 9. “You must be here without fail for that trial,” the judge told Stokes, Ali and Hale. “You will remain on bail as before.” Stokes missed the Ashes tour after being suspended from playing for England. Without him, the tourists lost to Australia 4-0.