TIMELINE OF A SORRY SAGA: 15 MONTHS FOR ENGLISH CRICKET TO FORGET...

SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

England beat West Indies to take a 2-0 ODI series lead. Several players — including Ben Stokes and Alex Hales — go out to celebrate in Bristol.

SEPTEMBER 25

In the early hours, Stokes is arrested on suspicion of assault outside Mbargo nightclub and held overnight. He is released without charge.

SEPTEMBER 27

Stokes is included in the Ashes squad, despite breaking a finger during the Bristol one-dayer. That night, footage of the incident is released.

SEPTEMBER 28

The ECB say Stokes and Hales (right) will not be considered for selection until further notice.

OCTOBER 11

Stokes loses his £200,000a-year sponsorship deal with New Balance. He apologises after a video emerges showing him appearing to mock Katie Price’s disabled son Harvey.

OCTOBER 28

England fly to Australia for the Ashes without Stokes.

NOVEMBER 29

Stokes arrives in New Zealand to play for Canterbury Kings. Avon and Somerset Police announce they have completed their investigation and have sent their findings to the Crown Prosecution Service.

DECEMBER 4

It is announced Hales will not face criminal charges. The ECB say he is available

for selection.

DECEMBER 6

Stokes is named in England’s one-day squad for the series against Australia. He is later replaced by Dawid Malan as the ECB wait for confirmation over whether he will be charged.

JANUARY 15, 2018

Stokes and two other men, Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, charged with affray.

FEBRUARY 13

The all-rounder indicates he will plead not guilty. After being cleared by the ECB for an England return, he flies to New Zealand for the Test series.

MARCH 12

Stokes appears via video link from New Zealand to deny an affray charge. The start of the trial is set for August 6.

AUGUST 14

Stokes is cleared of affray.

YESTERDAY

The ECB decide Stokes can continue his England career with immediate effect. He is banned for eight matches but that penalty has already been served. He is fined £30,000. Hales can also carry on playing for England. He is fined £17,500, £10,000 of which is suspended.