Stokes available for New Zealand ODI tour despite ongoing court case

Stokes entered a not guilty plea to a charge of affray at Bristol Magistrates Court on Tuesday and the case has now been referred to the Crown Court

^{England can call on Ben Stokes for ODI games against New Zealand}

Ben Stokes will fly to New Zealand to join England's one-day international touring party later this month despite his ongoing court case.

Stokes entered a not guilty plea to a charge of affray at Bristol Magistrates Court on Tuesday and the case has now been referred to the Crown Court.

The allrounder's next hearing is scheduled for March 12 but he is not obliged to attend in person.

England are due to begin their ODI series against New Zealand on February 25 at Seddon Park and Stokes will be available for selection.

KEY DATES

February 25: New Zealand vs England (1st ODI, Seddon Park)

February 28: New Zealand vs England (2nd ODI, Bay Oval)

March 3: New Zealand vs England (3rd ODI, Westpac Stadium)

March 7: New Zealand vs England (4th ODI, University Oval)

March 10: New Zealand vs England (5th ODI, Hagley Oval)

March 12: Stokes' case next heard at Bristol Crown Court

March 22-26: New Zealand vs England (1st Test, Eden Park)

March 30-April 3: New Zealand vs England (2nd Test, Hagley Oval)

"Having entered his plea at Bristol Magistrates Court today, Ben Stokes will now travel to New Zealand to join the England squad," an ECB spokesperson said.

"He departs tomorrow, Wednesday 14 February, and will arrive on Friday 16 February, ready to train with England team mates in Hamilton.

"Any decision to include him in upcoming matches will be made by head coach Trevor Bayliss and the England management team. He is not currently being considered for the ongoing International T20 Tri-Series.

^{Stokes attended court on Tuesday}

"ECB fully respects his right to defend himself in court and any obligations he has within the legal process will always take precedence over England commitments.

"It has been confirmed that he will not be required to return to the UK for the first hearing at Bristol Crown Court on Monday 12 March."

Stokes was arrested in September following an alleged late-night brawl outside a Bristol nightclub.

He has been granted unconditional bail after pleading not guilty on a basis of self defence on Tuesday.

Two co-defendants - Ryan Hale and Ryan Ali - also entered not guilty pleas.