Ben Stokes has been charged with affray by the CPS in relation to the incident in Bristol in September last year.

Stokes and the two other men – named as Ryan Ai and Ryan Hale – involved in the “incident of disorder” have each been charged with one count of affray and will face trial at Bristol Magistrates Court at a later date.

Three men have today (15/1) been charged in connection with an incident of disorder on Queens Road, Bristol on 25 September last year.

Here’s our statement in full. pic.twitter.com/MAG1hLyMkE

— Avon&Somerset Police (@ASPolice) January 15, 2018

Affray is a lesser charge than actual bodily harm – on suspicion of which Stokes was originally arrested – but can still carry with it a maximum three-year jail term.

The ECB will now meet within 48 hours to decide on Stokes’ availability for selection. He is now expected to miss the New Zealand tour but will remain available to appear in the IPL, the auction for which is scheduled for January 28. Last year Stokes was signed as the most expensive player.