England cricketer Ben Stokes pleads not guilty via video link from NZ

Ben Stokes celebrates a New Zealand wicket during the ODI series. Photo / AP

England cricketer Ben Stokes has appeared in a UK court via video link from New Zealand, pleading not guilty to a charge that arose from an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last year.

The all-rounder, who is part of the touring English team, and two other men pleaded not guilty to a charge of affray - the equivalent of fighting in a public place under New Zealand law - during a short hearing at Bristol Crown Court, Britain's Press Association reports.

The two other defendants, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26, appeared in person at the court.

Judge Blair set a date of August 6 for the trial, which is expected to last between five and seven days. It means Stokes will miss the Test match against India at Lord's.

The England side are in Hamilton preparing for a two-day match against a New Zealand XI, which starts on Wednesday. The first of two Tests starts in Auckland next week.

Stokes, Ali and Hale are jointly charged with affray in the Clifton Triangle area of Bristol on September 25 last year - several hours after England had played a one-day international against the West Indies.

A 27-year-old man allegedly suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident, at which fellow England cricketer Alex Hales was also present.

Christchurch-born Stokes missed the 4-0 loss in the summer's Ashes series after being suspended but England declared him available once more after he pleaded not guilty last month.

He joined the team in New Zealand after earlier in the summer turning out for Canterbury in the domestic one-day competition.

- NZN