England all-rounder Ben Stokes set to miss Lord's test against India, denies affray charge

England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the Lord’ Test against India as he is set to face a trial in Bristol.

Stokes, 26, on Monday appeared at Bristol Crown Court via video from New Zealand, where he is currently representing his country against a series vs New Zealand and pleaded not guilty to any brawl.

Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale who are the co-defendants of the case, also pleaded not guilty of the charges.

The heated event happened near a nightclub named Mbargo in Bristol during the early hours of 25 September, 2017. England opener Alex Hales was also there when the brawl happened in which a 27-year old man suffered a fractured eye socket.

England played a one-day international against West Indies in Bristol, hours before the incident happened. The trial is set for August 6 and is expected to continue till five to seven days, ruling the English all-rounder for the second Test against India at Lord’s on August 9.

Ben Stokes, who recently returned to playing cricket for England after missing the Ashes and some part of the ODI series against Australia, played all five ODI’s against New Zealand and is back amongst the form. Stokes will fly to India to play for Rajasthan Royals in IPL after completing the ongoing series against New Zealand.