Ben Stokes leaves Christchurch Airport after flying to New Zealand from England

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has played down rumours that all-rounder Ben Stokes has been cleared to join his team-mates in Australia for the Ashes after he was spotted as Heathrow Airport.

Stokes was withdrawn from the Ashes squad following his alleged involvement in a street brawl outside a nightclub in Bristol.

However, while Stokes was at the airport, the ECB made it clear that he is flying to New Zealand to practice and spend time with his family.

The board added that the 26-year-old “is not on his way to the Ashes, England Lions or any other official training camps with the England setup”.

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

The ECB’s announcement comes after former England wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior fuelled speculation that Stokes was heading to the Ashes.

I have a funny feeling @benstokes38 is jumping on an A380 heading to Oz! #ashes

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) November 27, 2017

“I have a funny feeling Ben Stokes is jumping on an A380 heading to Oz,” Prior said on Twitter.

However, according to ESPNcricinfo, Stokes was granted a No Objection Certificate to represent Canterbury on New Zealand’s domestic circuit.

It is also understood that Stokes could even play in Canterbury’s Ford Trophy game against Otago on Sunday.

“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 for Ford Trophy and Burger King Super Smash competitions,” a statement released by Canterbury Cricket said.

In the same statement, Canterbury Cricket’s CEO Jeremy Curwin said: “The CCA Board and New Zealand Cricket will independently be considering this issue in the near future but, until then, we are unable to provide any more detail on the status of the deliberations. As and when there are any further developments we will of course release further statements.”