England all-rounder Ben Stokes is heading down-under but his destination, at least prematurely will be New Zealand, not Australia.
Reports out of Sky Sports UK suggest the New Zealand-born star is on a plane to Christchurch to spend time with his family and practice ahead of his imminent Ashes call-up.
He's since been spotted making his way through London's Heathrow airport ahead of his departure, carrying a full England Cricket kit bag on his back.
According to The Times, Stokes intends to play for Canterbury in the upcoming national domestic one-day competition.
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Stokes is currently unavailable for selection against Australia due to a police investigation regarding a brawl in Bristol on September 25 (local time).
With Australia's dismantling of England in the first Test in Brisbane, Stokes would be a welcome addition the squad, but England Cricket boss Andrew Strauss stressed he won't play until he has been cleared by police.
Stokes' father Gerard played rugby league for New Zealand in the 1970's and is based in Christchurch, the city the 26-year-old was born in.
ESPNcricinfo is reporting that a source within the England Cricket Board has confirmed his trip to New Zealand but insisted he won't be joining the Ashes squad.
Newshub.