Ben Stokes travelling to New Zealand to practise and visit family
Written by News on 28/11/2017
Ben Stokes is travelling to New Zealand to practise and spend time with his family.
The ECB has confirmed to Sky Sports News 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".
A statement said: "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."
All-rounder Stokes, who remains unavailable for England selection because of an ongoing police investigation, was the subject of intense social media speculation following the emergence of a picture allegedly showing him walking through the corridors of Heathrow airport with his cricket gear.
Ex-England wicket-keeper Matt Prior then fuelled discussions that Stokes could be set for a surprise inclusion in the ongoing Ashes series, which England now trail 1-0 following defeat in Brisbane, by stating: "I have a funny feeling Ben Stokes is jumping on an A380 heading to Oz."
Stokes was arrested by Avon & Somerset Police on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September.
The Durham player has not been considered for England selection since, as well as Alex Hales, who was with Stokes on the night of the incident.
Publishing a short video via his personal Instagram account shortly before the first Test at the Gabba, Stokes paid tribute to the entire squad and staff, before adding he would be watching all the action from home.
(c) Sky News 2017: Ben Stokes travelling to New Zealand to practise and visit family
