India vs England | Ben Stokes eligible for third Test after being cleared of all charges

08/14/2018

Ben Stokes, who had to miss the second Test at the Lord's against India, has been acquitted of the affray charges by a Bristol court today. The 27-year-old had been the prime accused in the altercation that saw another person being knocked out following their fight outside a Bristol nightclub.

Stokes had maintained that he had acted in self-defence during the incident stating, “All my actions were in self-defence and fearing for my safety.” A jury at Bristol crown court sided with the English all-rounder about the same and acquitted him of all the charges.

After a terrific performance in the second innings of the first Test, Stokes was forced to miss the second Test at Lord’s due to his case. In his absence, England went on to secure the match with an innings to spare. His replacement for the match, Chris Woakes, was named as the man of the match for his all round performance that saw him score his maiden Test century and contribute with four wickets as well.

England will now have big decision to make ahead of the third Test at Trent Bridge which is scheduled to start on August 18.