England star Ben Stokes touches down in New Zealand as Ashes rumour mill goes into overdrive

ENGLAND all-rounder Ben Stokes has landed in New Zealand, where he’s negotiating to play domestic cricket while under suspension for the Ashes series in Australia.

Ben Stokes is met by members of his family after arriving at Christchurch.

ENGLAND all-rounder Ben Stokes has landed in New Zealand, where he’s negotiating to play domestic cricket while under suspension for the Ashes series in Australia.

Initial reports suggested he may be heading to Adelaide to join the England squad ahead of the second Test against Australia starting on Saturday, but that was quickly quashed by the England Cricket Board.

Ben Stokes is met by members of his family after arriving at Christchurch.

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It’s believed that should UK police clear the 26-year-old over his alleged involvement in a street brawl in September, the England and Wales Cricket Board would convene a board meeting within 48 hours.

Following this, a Cricket Discipline Commission procedure - announced under ECB auspices last month - could take place.

He would then aim to play in the third Test in Perth beginning on December 14. Stokes arrived on Wednesday in Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island, where he is visiting his parents.

New Zealand Cricket spokesman Richard Boock said his organisation “has yet to receive a formal request regarding Ben Stokes. However, we understand he and his representatives have been in discussions with Canterbury.

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

Ben Stokes gets a greeting from his mum at Christchurch airport.

Look who has just come through customs at Christchurch airport.

Ben Stokes is greeted by the media upon arrival in New Zealand.

He remains unavailable for international selection following his part in the late-night fracas in Bristol.

But he was granted a no objection certificate four days ago by the ECB to play domestic cricket anywhere he chooses.

Canterbury coach Gary Stead said Stokes’ possible involvement or not in the Ashes “hasn’t been discussed whatsoever”.

He said that a final decision on Stokes’ involvement with Canterbury would be made at a board meeting on Wednesday evening local time.

“Ultimately if our board says no, it won’t happen, (but) I hope from a coaching point of view we can make this work,” he told local radio.

Originally published as England star Ben Stokes touches down in New Zealand as Ashes rumour mill goes into overdrive