THE storm caused by Ben Stokes’ mysterious Ashes preparation has overshadowed England’s “stupid, unnecessary” plan of action.

A PHOTO that emerged online claiming to show Ben Stokes at London’s Heathrow Airport caused a stir as cricket fans debated whether he was heading to Australia for the Ashes, but the mystery didn’t end there.

The England all-rounder was left out of the touring party that landed Down Under earlier this month as a result of an ongoing investigation into his arrest over a wild, drunken brawl in Bristol which was captured on video.

But rumours of Stokes’ impending arrival in Australia were quickly shut down as it was revealed he was not flying into the country ahead of the second Test in Adelaide.

Former English skipper Michael Vaughan was adamant Stokes wasn’t headed to Australia just yet and notable BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew hosed down suggestions Stokes was en route to Adelaide for the second Test, saying he’d spoken to England Director of Cricket Andrew Strauss about the matter yesterday.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) later released a statement confirming Stokes was instead flying to New Zealand to spend time with his family.

“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,” the statement said.

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

But a fresh twist in his journey could see him preparing for the Ashes even if he’s not yet playing in them. Reports suggest Stokes may play for New Zealand side Canterbury in a first class game against Otago starting on Sunday.

Canterbury coach Gary Stead is yet to be approached by Stokes but would be all ears if the all-rounder wants to play or train with his side ahead of a potential Ashes call-up.

“People have put two and two together and got five,” Stead told AAP. “There’s been no discussions but if Ben wants to approach us when he comes over and talk about it, then it’s a different story.

“We’d look at it but that hasn’t happened at this stage.

“There’d have to be plenty of water to go under the bridge before then.

“We’d have to get clearance from the ECB, New Zealand Cricket and our board as well.”

“He’s a world-class all-rounder. I think we’d be stupid not to consider it (Stokes playing).

“We’ve got a very young team at the moment. If he wanted to have some sessions with us, I think we’d be silly not to.”

‘THIS IS NOT THE UNDER-10S’

Stokes was not arrested for his involvement in the brawl while on a night out in Bristol but he was made unavailable for the start of the Ashes tour as investigations continued.

The ugly incident placed the spotlight on the England team’s culture, which faced further questions after wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow was alleged to have headbutted Australian opener Cameron Bancroft.

Bairstow will face no disciplinary action over the incident at the start of the Ashes tour, but Andrew Strauss told the players they will face a midnight curfew for the remainder of their time in Australia so as to avoid any further embarrassing headlines.

Former Victorian wicketkeeper Darren Berry lashed the curfew, saying all it does it create a “lack of trust” within the camp.

“Andrew Strauss, are you serious?” Berry said on SEN Afternoons.

“He captained his country, he’s now the director of cricket. Mate, this is not the under-10s touring — this is the English men’s team.

“Putting a curfew on a men’s team ... all it does is create a lack of trust and you’ve got people sneaking around and snooping around.

“So what happens now, James Vince — he’s a sensible bloke — he comes to Melbourne, he goes out to dinner and catches up with a few of his mates. He looks at his clock and says, ‘Hey, I’ve got to get the taxi back’ and he gets back at three minutes past 12.

“What happens then? Is he out of the next Test?

“They dug a hole on the second morning of the Test match after being in a really good position and now Andrew Strauss has got the Kubota (machine used for digging holes) in there and he’s dug the biggest trench you could ever dig … stupid, unnecessary stuff.”

“The only think that can save England is (Ben) Stokes for (Chris) Woakes.”