England cricketer Ben Stokes is set to play in next month's tour of New Zealand after the England board decided he should be considered for selection despite being charged with affray this week.
Ben Stokes playing for Canterbury. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Stokes is due to appear before a Bristol Court at a date yet to be fixed after being charged following an incident outside a nightclub last September.
The 26-year-old has not played for England since the incident, missing out on the Ashes tour to Australia and selection for the start of the one-day series against Australia.
He did play in six domestic matches in New Zealand in December, however.
Stokes was initially named this month in England's T20 squad for the Tri-series against Australia and New Zealand but his participation was dependent on whether he was charged.
"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," it said in a statement.
The ECB said the board agreed it "would not be fair, reasonable or proportionate" for Stokes to remain unavailable, given his intention to contest the charge and the potential length of time to trial.
"ECB fully respects the legal process and the player's intention to defend himself against the charge," it added.
"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."
-Reuters