ENGLISH all-rounder Ben Stokes is heading to New Zealand and could be back playing cricket as early as this weekend, in a move that has rendered champion Australian batsman Dean Jones “speechless”.





Stokes flew out of London on Tuesday and will arrive in Christchurch on Wednesday to practice and spend time with his family — but also hopes to return to playing cricketer for New Zealand side Canterbury.

The ECB insists that Stokes’ travel plans have been independently arranged and are not related to the Ashes in any way, however Foxsports.com.au understands the ECB is planning for Stokes to play in the third Test in Perth.

Stokes is still officially suspended by the ECB, although the governing body could lift that at any time.

Crucially, however, he was granted a No Objection Certificate by the ECB — freeing him up to play first-class cricket in New Zealand if he is able to come to terms with a team.

“So that makes me speechless. Why then is he not playing for England? Either he is suspended... or he is not?” Jones asked.

So that makes me speechless. Why then is he not playing for England? Either he is suspended... or he is not? #surely? https://t.co/kVO48qAxjx — Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) November 28, 2017

Stokes’ latest movements come as the UK’s Daily Mirror reports he will be parachuted into England’s squad ahead of the third Test in Perth — regardless of whether he is cleared by police or not.

Stokes was arrested following an alleged late-night pub fight in Bristol that left a man in hospital with facial injuries.

The Bristol Police were reported to be close to making a statement last week regarding the charges he could face or avoid, but nothing was forthcoming.

If he is charged, it would be highly unlikely that Stokes would participate in the Ashes.

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But it appears the delay in charging — or clearing — Stokes will work in England’s favour.

“The fiery all rounder has flown to his original homeland to get himself match fit for an Ashes battle that England badly need him for despite possible charges hanging over him,” read the Mirror report.

“MirrorSport understands that Stokes could be charged by police for his part in a Bristol brawl next week, but crucially his appearance in court may not be scheduled until later in the new year.

“That would give the 26-year-old enough time to make his presence felt in the Ashes before facing a possible prosecution thereafter.”

The Times’ Elizabeth Ammon told New Zealand’s Radio Sport that Stokes’ ban extended to England international matches only, freeing him up to play in New Zealand.

“His suspension from England is only from internationals. It was a carefully worded statement that didn’t say anything about any other form of cricket,” Ammon said.

“There no official ban. He’s eligible to play cricket. He’s been training in the nets at Durham where it’s freezing outside at the moment. He wanted to play some cricket to be ready for England whenever the investigation comes to its conclusion.

“Obviously the police are comfortable with him leaving the country.”

The ECB released a statement on Tuesday, distancing themselves from Stokes’ surprise travel plans.

“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,” the ECB said.

“He is not on his way to the Ashes, England Lions or any other official training camps with the England set up.”

Stokes will, on Wednesday morning, arrive in Christchurch — where he was born and spent the first 12 years of his life.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes spotted at Heathrow Airport. Source: Supplied

While he is in New Zealand, Stokes could turn out for Canterbury in the country’s first-class competition as early as Sunday.

“NZC has yet to receive a formal request regarding Ben Stokes. However, we understand he and his representatives have been in discussions with Canterbury,” NZC public affairs manager Richard Boock said.

“NZC has an open mind on this issue and will await further information before making a decision.”

Stokes was sorely missed in the first Test and England director of cricket Andrew Strauss said on the weekend that he was no closer to hearing whether his star player will face criminal charges.

The WACA Test begins on December 14.