Cricketer Ben Stokes marries fiancee Clare Ratcliffe following arrest over brawl outside nightclub

Fiona Simpson14 October 2017

England cricketer Ben Stokes has married his fiancee Clare Ratcliffe in Somerset.

The happy couple tied the knot at the church of St Mary the Virgin in East Brent, near Weston super Mare.

The ceremony comes just weeks after the 26-year-old all-rounder was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm following a brawl outside a Bristol nightclub on September 25.

Stokes was pictured with a bandage on his right hand as he arrived for the ceremony.

Newly weds: Ben Stokes and his wife Clare
PA

The cricket star wore a grey suit while his new wife donned a low-cut fishtail gown featuring a plunging back.

The brunette beauty wore her locks loose over her shoulders and laughed and joked with her bridesmaids as they arrived for the ceremony.

Among the guests were current England Test captain Joe Root, former captain Alistair Cook, fast bowler Stuart Broad, wicket-keeper Jos Buttler and Durham colleague Paul Collingwood.

Brawl claims: The cricketer sported a bandage on his hand
PA

Guests sang hymns including Jerusalem during the 40-minute service.

There were loud cheers from guests at the end of the ceremony and the newly married couple posed for pictures and kissed outside the church.

Stokes will not travel to Australia with the rest of the England squad for this winter's 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 by Avon and Somerset Police.

Happy couple: The pair married at a quiet ceremony in Somerset
PA

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.

TV presenter Piers Morgan, an acquaintance of several cricketers, claimed last month that the alleged fight occurred after Stokes and international team-mate Alex Hales had defended two gay men from homophobic abuse.

Blushing bride: Clare Ratcliffe arrives at the ceremony with her bridesmaids
PA

Stokes' contract with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance was terminated on Wednesday.

New Balance said it "does not condone behaviour ... that does not match our brand culture and values" as it ended its relationship with Stokes.

Celebration: Well-wishers cheered at the pair left the service
PA

The company's decision was announced hours after Stokes apologised to Katie Price and her disabled son Harvey after a video emerged of Stokes impersonating the pair.

The video came to light shortly after Stokes' arrest last month.

Stokes, who is also subject to internal disciplinary action, has had his central contract renewed by the ECB since his arrest.

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