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LONDON. – England cricketer Ben Stokes has been found not guilty of affray after a fight near a Bristol nightclub.

The Durham all-rounder (27) denied the charge following the fracas between a group of men last September.

Ryan Ali (28) – who was knocked unconscious in the brawl – was also found not guilty of the same charge.

The fight happened several hours after England had played a one-day international against the West Indies at the County Ground in the city.

Stokes and Ali shook hands on leaving the dock.

During the six-day trial, Bristol Crown Court heard the incident described as “a sustained episode of significant violence” from Stokes who had “lost control”. – BBC Sport