Court call scuppers Stokes comeback

England all-rounder Ben Stokes is to appear in court on an affray charge on the same day he was supposed to be making his international comeback in a Twenty20 match in New Zealand.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that Stokes 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, 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 oneday international against the West Indies in the city.

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.

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.

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.

Stokes has been named in the International Cricket Council’s Test and one-day teams of the year.