Excited for a thrilling cricket comeback? Suspended England allrounder Ben Stokes has jetted off to New Zealand to participate in domestic cricket, keeping the door wide open for a dramatic Ashes call-up to Australia.
Ben Stokes stirred up social media on Monday night after being spotted at Heathrow Airport sporting his England cricket gear. While the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) initially said he was visiting family in New Zealand, insiders have confirmed that he’ll be donning the Canterbury colours during his stay on the South Island. This move ensures Stokes remains in top form and match-ready for when the Ashes action resumes.
Canterbury Cricket issued a statement, saying: “(We) have been in initial informal discussions with Ben Stokes’ representatives regarding his potential availability.” This comes as positive news for fans eager to see Stokes back in action.
Though currently suspended by the ECB due to a police investigation involving a nightclub incident in Bristol, this suspension only applies to international cricket. Stokes is free to showcase his talents in New Zealand’s domestic cricket arena.
England certainly missed Stokes’ dynamic allround performances during their 10-wicket loss in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. The second Test is set to take place in Adelaide this Saturday, and many are hopeful that Stokes’ involvement could turn the series around.
