ECB allow Stokes to play for England after affray charge

Stokes has been suspended from international duty during the investigation into an incident in Bristol in September which left him in police custody

^{England will once again be able to call on the services of Ben Stokes}

Ben Stokes will be allowed to play for England despite being charged with affray, the ECB have confirmed.

Stokes has been suspended from international duty during the investigation into an incident in Bristol in September which left him in police custody.

He has been told to report to Bristol Magistrates' Court at a later date but is allowed to join up with England, and looks set to feature during the tour of New Zealand.

The ECB board were reportedly split when they convened following Avon & Somerset Police's announcement that they had charged Stokes but the governing body has now released a statement in which they make it clear that the allrounder is once again eligible to represent his country.

The statement read: "Following a full Board discussion, in which all considerations were taken into account, the ECB Board has agreed that Ben Stokes should now be considered for England selection.

^{Stokes has not played for England since September}

"Given the CPS decision to charge him and two others with affray, confirmation of his intention to contest the charge and the potential length of time to trial, the Board agreed that it would not be fair, reasonable or proportionate for Ben Stokes to remain unavailable for a further indeterminate period.

"To date, Stokes has been unavailable for selection throughout the Police and CPS process around the incident in Bristol in September, a period which has included One-Day Internationals against West Indies, the Ashes tour and the start of the ODI series against Australia.

"ECB fully respects the legal process and the player’s intention to defend himself against the charge.

"England Selectors, management and players have been informed and Ben Stokes is expected to join the squad in New Zealand for February’s T20 matches.

"ECB confirmed in December that the independent Cricket Discipline Commission [CDC] would stay the internal disciplinary process for both Alex Hales and Ben Stokes until the conclusion of court proceedings relating to the incident."