Nottinghamshire batsman Joe Clarke no longer facing affray charge after case against him is dropped

Joe Clarke is no longer facing a charge of affray after the case against the Nottinghamshire batsman was dropped. 

He was charged, along with four other men, following an incident in Powys last year. 

A statement from his management company to Sportsmail read: ‘Joe maintained his innocence throughout and cooperated fully with police in providing an account of the incident. 

‘Appearing before Welshpool Magistrates Court in June, Joe entered a not-guilty plea. 

‘We are pleased to advise that after a review of the evidence conducted by the Crown Prosecution Service following Joe’s first appearance, they have concluded that there was insufficient evidence and the case against Joe has been formally discontinued.’ 

Clarke, 25, had been expected to stand trial in Mold Crown Court this week but will now be available for Friday’s Vitality Blast match against Leicestershire at Grace Road, with the reigning champions sitting top of the North section. 

Clarke – who has yet to receive an England call-up – will then join up with Manchester Originals ahead of the inaugural edition of The Hundred, and is expected to play in the first men’s match of the new franchise tournament against Oval Invincibles on 22 July.