England’s former Test captain Ben Stokes is poised to make his competitive return next week, joining Durham for the start of their MetroBank One-Day Cup campaign against Derbyshire.
The all-rounder’s comeback follows his dramatic retirement from international cricket just over a fortnight ago.
Stokes delivered a shock announcement mid-bowling spell during a Test match at Trent Bridge, before taking a wicket with his very next ball. He went on to open the batting in his final Test innings, though he could not prevent England from suffering a chaotic series defeat to New Zealand.
Despite stepping away from the international arena, the 35-year-old confirmed his commitment to Durham, expressing his profound happiness and pride in representing his boyhood club.
After a brief family break, he is now expected to play a full role in the 50-over competition, a decision he had made prior to his unexpected international exit.
Stokes had already opted out of The Hundred, which also begins next week, with plans to revive a one-day career that famously peaked with his match-winning performance in the 2019 World Cup final. His last 50-over appearance came after he reversed a previous retirement to participate in England’s ill-fated defence of that trophy in India four years later.
His presence will undoubtedly provide a significant boost for Durham, whose head coach, Ryan Campbell, has consistently welcomed Stokes into the dressing room.
Speaking to the Press Association earlier this season, when Stokes played in the Rothesay County Championship, Campbell remarked: "I really enjoy having him around. We’ve made it very clear, Stokesy is here as a member of our team and he’s here to help win games of cricket for Durham.
“We’re just happy to see one of our mates again. He holds himself to such high standards. He’ll be the first into fielding drills, throwing balls at people and hitting plenty himself. We’ve already spoken about Ben playing, how it brings more media and more eyes on a game. It adds another layer, not of stress but of responsibility to keep your own standards high."
Durham, who last won the One-Day Cup in 2014, will be optimistic about their chances with Stokes in their ranks, especially as many of the country’s top white-ball talents are engaged in The Hundred.
The county also currently leads Division Two of the Championship, offering Stokes another potential route to end-of-season silverware should he continue his first-class career.
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