Ben Stokes set for 50-over return with Durham after England retirement
London, July 16
Ben Stokes, who recently retired from international cricket, is set to return to 50-over action after nearly three years when he represents Durham against Derbyshire in the Metro Bank Cup on July 21 at The OurCoop County Ground in Derby, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Stokes brought the curtain down on his international career following England's 160-run Test defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge. However, Stokes will continue playing domestic cricket for Durham and is expected to be available for the remainder of the Metro Bank Cup and the County Championship season, subject to fitness.
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell said Stokes has fully rejoined the squad and is preparing for the upcoming matches. While the club will carefully manage his workload after a busy spell, Campbell expressed delight at having the retired England star back in Durham colours.
"He's now a retired Test superstar, but he's reported in for duty as a Durham cricketer. He's at training; he'll be preparing for all our games. Of course, we're always going to be mindful of loads - he's played a lot of cricket, so we've got to look after him - but at this stage, he's back, and we're excited to have him back," Ryan Campbell said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Stokes' final Test appearance featured a brief yet entertaining innings, as he promoted himself to open the batting and smashed 30 runs off just 20 balls before being dismissed. The match ended in a 160-run defeat for England against Tom Latham-led New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge, with the visitors sealing a 2-1 series victory. It also marked Stokes' first home series loss as both a player and England captain.
The all-rounder concluded his international career with a remarkable legacy, highlighted by his match-winning performance in the 2019 ODI World Cup final and a series of unforgettable Test displays, including the iconic Headingley Ashes triumph in 2019.
Numbers-wise, too, Stokes had an impressive international career across formats. In 114 ODIs, he scored 3,463 runs at an average of 41.22, including five centuries and 24 fifties, while also taking 74 wickets. In Test cricket, Stokes played 122 matches, scoring 7,273 runs at an average of 34.46 with 14 centuries and 37 half-centuries. He also made a major contribution with the ball, taking 252 Test wickets and establishing himself as one of England's greatest all-rounders. In T20Is, Stokes scored 585 runs in 36 innings and took 26 wickets.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, this makes me think about how we treat our legends in India too. Stokes retired so young—imagine if Virat had done that at 33! Mental fatigue and workload management are real issues. At least Stokes is doing what makes him happy and playing county cricket. Wishing him all the best for this new chapter. 😊
As someone who follows English cricket closely, I think this is a smart move by Stokes. He's always been a match-winner, and domestic cricket needs star power. That 2019 Headingley knock was one of the best I've ever seen—right up there with any innings in cricket history. He'll bring huge crowds and media attention to the County Championship, which can only be good for the game in England.
Respect to Ben Stokes for knowing when to step away—not many players have that clarity. His 2019 World Cup final knock will be etched in cricket history forever. But I also think ECB should've managed his workload better to prolong his international career. Just my two cents as a neutral fan. 🏏
What a legend! Stokes gave absolutely everything for England—those gritty Test knocks, that stunning catch in the World Cup, and of course the Headingley miracle. I'm glad he's not completely walking away from cricket. County fans in Durham are in for a treat! Hope he enjoys this phase of his career without the pressure of international cricket. All the best, Ben! 🇮🇳❤️🏏
It's refreshing to see
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