Ben Stokes acquitted of affray charges

England fast bowler Ben Stokes, who was arrested following a brawl accusation with two men outside a nightclub in Bristol, has been acquitted of the affray charges by the court.

The 27-year-old, who was calm during the proceeding, shut his eyes for a moment after the pronouncement of the verdict and his wife, on the other hand, broke down in tears, ESPNcricinfo.com reported.

Stokes was accused to have bullied two homosexual men and punching Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale outside a nightclub.

Ali, who was also accused of same charges as Stokes, was also declared non-guilty by the court.

During the hearing, Stokes admitted to have punched Ali and Hale but insisted that all his actions were in self-defence. The argument was accepted by the court which ultimately led to his acquittal.

The verdict in Stokes' favour means that the bowler would now be available for the third Test of the ongoing five-match series against India at Trent Bridge.

Stokes had to miss five Test matches, seven ODIs and four T20Is following his involvement in the incident.