LONDON — Ben Stokes is in line to play in the third Test against India after being recalled to the squad following his acquittal on a charge of affray Tuesday.

The 27-year-old New Zealand-born all-rounder, who took six wickets in the first Test victory over India but missed the second Test due to the trial, was found not guilty by a unanimous decision by the jury in Bristol after less than three hours of deliberations.

"Ben Stokes will now join the England squad for the third Test against India, which starts at Trent Bridge Saturday," read the statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

However, Stokes and teammate Alex Hales — who was with him when the brawl took place outside the club in Bristol, southwest England, on Sept. 25 last year but was not charged — could still face bans.

"Now that the legal proceedings have concluded, the disciplinary process for Ben Stokes and Alex Hales can be scheduled by the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC)," the ECB added in their statement.

"Considerable detail has been heard in this week-long court case and, in due course, there will be a range of matters for the Board to fully consider." — AFP