Ben Stokes will make 'full explanation public when time right'

England all-rounder Ben Stokes. Photo / AP

Ben Stokes will offer a full explanation of the incident in Bristol last month which could cost him his Ashes place "when the time is right".

The England allrounder, 26, was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm following a disturbance outside a nightclub in the city on September 25.

He will not travel to Australia with the rest of the England squad for the Ashes series as he waits to learn whether he will face criminal charges.

He has not been ruled out of the five-Test series which starts on November 23, but the England and Wales Cricket Board will not consider him for selection until further notice as it awaits developments in the ongoing investigation.

Neil Fairbrother, Stokes' agent with International Sports Management, said the Durham player would discuss his version of events in due course, but did not wish to prejudice the investigation.

"Ben explained to me the full circumstances of what happened in Bristol and I told him that he has my total support and backing," Fairbrother said in a statement.

"I am aware that he has fully co-operated with the police inquiry and voluntarily provided a detailed statement on the same day as the incident. He will continue to assist the police in any way he can.

"Ben will also make public his full explanation and evidence when the time is right. On legal advice, that is not possible whilst the investigation continues and no charges have been brought forward. Ben does not wish to prejudice the process.

"He is also concerned about the impact the widespread publicity has on everyone involved including the ECB, his teammates and the game of cricket itself which he loves.

"We will not be making any further comment relating to this at this time."

- AAP