England all-rounder Ben Stokes has pleaded not guilty to affray at Bristol Magistrates' Court.

The 26-year-old was charged for his alleged involvement in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.

While appearing before the court, the cricketer issued a plea of not guilty, while Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, - both also charged with affray - entered the same plea.

Stokes was not included in the England squad for the Ashes series, which was won by Australia, and he has not featured competitively for his nation since the incident.

The cricketer will now face trial, with the first hearing at Bristol Crown Court scheduled for March 12.

Written by
Danielle Joynson