England cricketer Ben Stokes insists he wants to clear his name after he was charged with affray on Monday in relation to an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last September.

The Durham all-rounder missed the Ashes tour after being arrested while on a night out with England teammates and other friends during the one-day series against the West Indies.

Stokes was allegedly involved in a street fight that was recorded on a camera phone and a decision was taken by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to leave him out of the five-match Ashes series against Australia – which England lost 4-0 – until the matter was closed.

The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures The Ashes Fifth Test Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures AFP The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures AFP The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures AFP The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Usman Khawaja of Australia celebrates after reaching his century during day three of the Fifth Test match in the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Steve Smith of Australia leaves the ground after being dismissed by Moeen Ali of England during day three of the Fifth Test match in the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Getty Images The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Stuart Broad of England juggles the ball with his feet during day three of the Fifth Test match in the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Getty Images The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Usman Khawaja of Australia raises his bat as he leaves the ground after being dismissed for 171 runs during day three of the Fifth Test match in the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Getty Images The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Mason Crane of England celebrates dismissing Usman Khawaja of Australia during day three of the Fifth Test match in the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images) Getty Images The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 06: Mitch Marsh and Shaun Marsh of Australia walk from the ground at stumps during day three of the Fifth Test match in the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Getty Images The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Day 5 Joe Root was forced to withdraw due to illness after reaching his 50. Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Day 5 Joe Root suffered from gastroenteritis overnight ahead of the fifth day. Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Day 5 Australia celebrate winning back the Ashes. Getty The Ashes Fifth Test in pictures Day 5 Steve Smith lifts the Urn to celebrate Australia winning the Ashes. Getty

Avon and Somerset Police issued a statement on Monday afternoon to confirm that the Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Stokes to be charged with affray, along with two other individuals.

“Three men have today been charged in connection with an incident of disorder on Queens Road, Bristol, on 25 September last year,” the statement read.

“A thorough investigation was carried out into the incident by Avon and Somerset Police before a comprehensive file of evidence was passed to the Crown Prosecution Service on 29 November.

“Having carefully considered the evidence, the CPS has today authorised Ben Stokes, 26, of Durham, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, both of Bristol, to each be charged with one count of affray.

“They will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a date to be confirmed.

“All those concerned are reminded that criminal proceedings are now live and the defendants have a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings.”

Stokes was initially named in the England squad for the Ashes, but the ECB announced that he would not be considered for selection “until further notice” following the incident.

Upon being charged, Stokes issued a statement to thank those who have supported him during the investigation and insists that he wants to share his side of the incident, but will wait to do so until the court hearing after advice from his legal team.

“I want to thank all those who have continued to support me in relation to the Bristol incident, not least my family, friends, fans and teammates,” Stokes said in a statement posted on Twitter.

“I gave my full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one – the same day as the incident – and have cooperated at each step of the police inquiry. I am keen to have an opportunity to clear my name but, on advice, the appropriate time to do this is when the case comes to trial.

Stokes played six games for Canterbury in New Zealand before returning last month (Getty)

“The CPS’ decision to charge me, as well as Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale, at least means that my account of what happened that night can come out in court and be made public. Until then, my focus is very much on cricket.”