Ben Stokes will miss England’s Test match against India at Lord’s

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the Test match against India at Lord’s on August 9 as his trial for an affray charge was scheduled for August 6 at Bristol Crown Court.

Stokes appeared at his trial preparation hearing in Bristol via video link on Monday morning to enter a not guilty plea to his charge of affray.

The 26-year-old, who is currently in New Zealand with the England team, also confirmed his identity.

Stokes’ affray charge stems from his alleged involvement in a street fight outside the Mbargo nightclub in Bristol last September, where a 27-year-old man is understood to have suffered a fractured eye socket.

Two other men – 28-year-old Ryan Ali and 26-year-old Ryan Hale – also pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray.

Stokes is being represented by Gordon Cole, while Ali and Hale are being represented by Giles Nelson and Michael Hall respectively.

Upon appearing via video link, Stokes, who was wearing a grey shirt, told His Honour Judge Blair QC, The Recorder of Bristol, “Hi, Judge”.

There was a slight moment of confusion as the video link had to buffer while Stokes pleaded not guilty.

While Stokes was given permission to miss the Plea Trial Preparation Hearing, all three defendants were told that they “must be here for your trial”. If they don’t show up, a warrant would be issued for their arrest.