Ben Stokes has arrived in New Zealand amid speculation he could be ready to join the Ashes squad at short notice should he avoid police charges.
The all-rounder, who is expected to play for the Canterbury Kings in New Zealand's domestic Ford Trophy this weekend, was greeted by family as he arrived in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Meanwhile Stokes' England team-mates are contesting the second Ashes Test with Australia in Adelaide which starts on Saturday.
There has been no police update since Christchurch-born Stokes was arrested and released under suspicion of causing actual bodily harm in September.
But Press Association Sport understands that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has a contingency in place should Avon & Somerset Police clear the 26-year-old.
The governing body would convene a board meeting within 48 hours, after which a Cricket Discipline Commission procedure - announced under ECB auspices last month - could take place.
It is a scenario which opens up the possibility of Stokes jetting in at some point to aid England's battle for the Ashes.
Stokes remains unavailable for international selection following his part in a late-night fracas in Bristol, but he was granted a no objection certificate four days ago by the ECB to play domestic cricket anywhere he chooses.
There were already indications from the ECB that Stokes will be free to play for the Kings against Otago Volts in the Ford Trophy 50-over competition on Sunday, by the time his prospective New Zealand employers issued a statement confirming "initial informal discussions".
Canterbury coach Gary Stead said Stokes' possible involvement or not in the Ashes "hasn't been discussed whatsoever".
The ECB say it is still unaware of any impending police decision.
Meanwhile, Chris Woakes said England would welcome Stokes back should he become available.
Woakes said: "Ben's a world-class all-rounder, and makes any team better.
"The fact he's out there playing cricket (means) he's a little bit closer to Australia.
"If he was to join the squad, that would be great for us.
"But at the minute, he's not - so we have to get on without him."
