(Photo: Reuters)

By Jonny Leighfield

England all-rounder Ben Stokes has traveled to New Zealand and is set to begin talks with Canterbury over a potential short-term playing role.

There was speculation on social media that Stokes was flying to Australia after being pictured at Heathrow airport on Monday evening.

That prompted the England and Wales Cricket Board to publish a statement which explained Stokes’ movements and denied he was joining up with the the rest of the squad.

The 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.

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

Stokes was given permission to travel to the country of his birth by the ECB on Friday.

Canterbury Cricket Club confirmed they were talking to the 26-year-old about his availability.

A Canterbury statement said: “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.”

Canterbury’s next fixture is on Sunday, the second day of the second Ashes Test.