Stokes keen to "clear his name" after charged in Bristol incident

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has said that he was keen to clear his name after being charged by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with affray over the brawl outside a Bristol nightclub.

The incident occurred last September on a night out with England teammates during the one-day series against West Indies.

Avon and Somerset Police in an official statement said, "Having carefully considered the evidence, the CPS has today authorised Ben Stokes, 26, of Durham, Ryan Ali, 28 and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, to each be charged with one count of affray."

Responding to the news, Stokes took to Twitter and said, "I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but, on advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has also released a statement after Stokes was charged.

"ECB is aware that Ben Stokes has been charged with affray in relation to an incident in Bristol in September. The board will now convene within 48 hours to decide on Ben Stokes' availability to represent England at this stage," the statement read.

Stokes had to miss the Ashes series after being suspended indefinitely by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) pending the outcome of a police investigation into the incident.

Stokes, however, was recently given a no-objection certificate (NOC) by the ECB allowing him to play for Canterbury in New Zealand.