England allrounder Ben Stokes is reportedly set to return to cricket with New Zealand side, Canterbury.
The Telegraph's Nick Hoult reports Stokes will take to the field in a first-class game for the club on Sunday.
The news comes as Stokes was spotted at Heathrow airport earlier today bound for New Zealand to visit his family and prepare for a likely return to the England Test side in the third Ashes Test in Perth.
ESPNCricinfo also reports Stokes has been granted a No Objection Certificate by the England Cricket Board, allowing him to play in New Zealand if he can agree terms with a team.
However, despite Hoult's report, Canterbury coach Gary Stead said he has not been approached by Stokes about playing for the team, but confirmed he would be open to the idea should Stokes contact him.
"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 allrounder. 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."
