Ben Stokes appeared via video link to plead not guilty to affray during a hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

Stokes – who is with the England squad in New Zealand – is now set to miss England’s second Test against India this summer. The match begins on August 9 while the trial is scheduled for August 6 and likely to last around five to seven days.

The first Test of the high-profile series, at Edgbaston, will finish the day before the trial starts, putting Stokes’ involvement in that game in doubt, too.

Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, are also standing trial for affray over the incident. Ali and Hale appeared in person and also pleaded not guilty.