Stokes charged but eager to clear his name
ENGLAND allrounder Ben Stokes has said he is keen to clear his name after being charged with affray.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced yesterday he had been charged following a fight outside a Bristol nightclub in September. Two other men have also been charged and will appear at a magistrates court in due course.
Stokes, who missed England’s Ashes series in Australia following the incident, wrote on Twitter: “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 team-mates.
“I gave a 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 op- portunity to clear my name but, on advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial. The CPS’s decision to charge me, as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, at least means that my account of what happened can come out in court and be made public. Until then, my focus is very much on cricket.”
No date has yet been fixed for Stokes’ court appearance.
n Scotland will start their campaign in the World Cup Qualifiers against Afghani- stan. Grant Bradburn’s side will kick off their bid on March 4 before facing Hong Kong plus the runners-up in February’s six-team World Cricket League Division Two and then hosts Zimbabwe on March 12.
The top three in both fiveteam groups then play off for two places in the World Cup in England and Wales in 2019. Scotland also need to finish in the top three among Associate Members outside of World Cricket League champions Holland to retain ODI status until 2022.
SCOTLAND will start their campaign in the World Cup Qualifiers against Afghanistan. Grant Bradburn’s side will kick off their bid on March 4 before facing Hong Kong plus the runners-up in February’s six-team World Cricket League Division Two and then hosts Zimbabwe.
Scotland will play warm-up games against Papua New Guinea and Ireland i n Zimbabwe.