Ashes rumours as Ben Stokes spotted at Heathrow

When a picture appeared last night on Twitter apparently showing Ben Stokes walking through the terminal at Heathrow Airport, England’s army went barmy at the thought of the all-rounder heading to Australia to join the Ashes squad.

But it turns out that Stokes - still under investigation after being arrested following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September - was actually jetting off to New Zealand to visit family there and to hold talks about playing for Canterbury.

The Twitter speculation that Stokes was on his way to join the squad in Australia prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to issue a statement, reported by Sky Sports News.

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“The ECB is aware that Ben Stokes is making a private trip to New Zealand to spend time with his family,” said the statement. “His travel arrangements have not been arranged by the ECB.”

Kiwi side Canterbury also confirmed Stokes was flying in for talks about playing domestic first-class cricket for them.

“Following the recent speculation surrounding Ben Stokes coming to New Zealand, Canterbury cricket can now confirm that they have been in initial informal discussions with Ben Stokes’ representatives regarding his potential availability,” the team said it a statement, according to the BBC.

The Daily Telegraph says that with his flying visit to New Zealand, and the Canterbury side, Stokes could return to playing cricket as early as this weekend. The newspaper reports that Stokes was given a “non-objection certificate by the ECB last week” to play domestic cricket. He remains suspended from the England team, however.

With the police investigation ongoing, Stokes’ availability for the Ashes is still not clear. But according to the Daily Mirror, he could to return to the England squad in time for the third Ashes Test in Perth, starting on 14 December.

If Stokes is training and playing with Canterbury, it would allow him to get match-fit following a long lay-off because of the police inquiry.

The Mirror reports that Stokes “could be charged” next week by police, but that, “crucially, his appearance in court may not be scheduled until later in the new year”.