Ben Stokes, 26, will appear at Bristol Magistrates Court in the near future and could face up to 3-years in prison after being charged with affray.
The Crown Prosecution service spokeswomen said: “The CPS was passed a file of evidence by Avon & Somerset Police on the 29th of November in relation to an incident of disorder in Bristol city centre and further evidence was received in late December. Following a review of the evidence the decision was to charge three men with affray in connection with the incident”.
The incident caused Stokes to miss the Ashes, following his arrest in September. The Durham player had been playing domestic cricket in New Zealand for Canterbury.
Stokes was called up for the England ODI squad but was later removed as the police investigation was ongoing and remains suspended by the ECB.
The cricketer was arrested on suspicion of a more serious crime and was released under investigation following an incident in Bristol in the early hours of September 25th September.
Stokes has released a statement following todays outcome: “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 team-mates.
“I gave a full and detailed account of my actions to the police on day one 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.
“The CPS’ decision to charge me 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.”
The court date for Stokes to appear in Bristol Magistrates is to-be-confirmed.
England and Nottingham opener Alex Hales was also arrested but later released without charge for his involvement in the incident.
By Ben Tierney and Anton Hotham
