Stokes arrives at court in Bristol ahead of affray trial

The England allrounder, whose bowling performance spearheaded his country's Test victory over India on Saturday, is set to plead not guilty to the charges, which relate to an incident in the Clifton Triangle area last September

^{England allrounder Ben Stokes arrives at Bristol Crown Court}

Ben Stokes has arrived at Bristol Crown Court ahead of his affray trial.

The England allrounder, whose bowling performance spearheaded his country's Test victory over India on Saturday, is set to plead not guilty to the charges, which relate to an incident in the Clifton Triangle area last September.

A 27-year-old man allegedly suffered a broken eye socket as a result of an altercation which took place hours after England beat West Indies in a one-day international in the West Country city.

^{Stokes is in court on an affray charge, which he denies}

Stokes arrived for the hearing - which will open a trial process that is expected to last for around a week - in a silver people carrier, wearing a blue suit and red tie. 

His co-defendants, Ryan Hale and Ryan Ali, also wore suits as they turned up at the court.

Stokes has been left out of England's squad for the second Test against India, which is due to start at Lord's on Thursday.

Chris Woakes of Warwickshire has been called up in his place.

^{Ryan Hale, left, and Ryan Ali are also on trial}

Speaking about his team-mate's impending absence, following the conclusion of a dramatic first Test at Edgbaston, England captain Joe Root said: "Ben seems himself.

"He’s gone about things exactly how he has for every other game, I don’t see that changing. He’s so dedicated to this group of players and this team. Whatever happens moving forward he’s always going to be a big part.

"It’s always a miss when he’s not playing but we’ve got a good group of players underneath this side to come in and put in a really strong performance."