ENGLAND all-rounder Ben Stokes is to appear in court on an affray charge — the same day he was supposed to be making his international comeback in a Twenty20 match in New Zealand.

Avon and Somerset Police said today that Stokes is due at Bristol magistrates’ court on February 13 to face the charge, brought following an incident outside a nightclub in the city in September.

The 26-year-old, who missed the Ashes after being suspended from playing for England, is accused of affray alongside two other men.

The charge follows a fight in the Clifton Triangle area of Bristol during the early hours of September 25 — several hours after England had played a one-day international against the West Indies in the city.

Stokes had earlier said he was “extremely delighted” to be back in the frame for England selection after the England and Wales Cricket Board announcement yesterday.

The two other men who have been charged are Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26.

The charge of affray is made under the Public Order Act 1986 and effectively relates to fighting in public.

It is a triable either-way offence which means it can be heard at a magistrates’ court or a crown court.

But at magistrates’ court the maximum penalty is a fine or six months in prison, while at crown court the maximum is three years behind bars.

While England were in Australia, losing the Ashes series 4-0, Stokes played a few games for Canterbury Kings during a month-long spell in New Zealand before returning home to England.