Ben Stokes made a quiet return to red-ball cricket for Durham against Worcestershire at New Road, taking two wickets in 14 overs during his first County Championship appearance in nearly two years. The England captain, who has stepped away from limited-overs cricket since 2024, showed sharp form and fitness after recovering from a fractured cheekbone suffered in February.
Stokes struck in his eighth delivery, using extra bounce to edge Dan Lategan’s backfoot drive, finishing with figures of 2 for 49 as Worcestershire reached 209 for 7 on a rain-shortened opening day. His second wicket came late, bowling Adam Hose for 59 with a delivery that shaped away before nipping back.
Sending down 14 overs across three spells, Stokes looked sharp and notably slimmer than usual, having focused on treadmill work during his injury layoff. He also took the new ball for Durham, partly due to Matthew Potts resting and Duanne Olivier not yet ready, but the move could have implications for England as they prepare for a three-Test series against New Zealand in June.
With a vacancy in England’s bowling attack following the departures of Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Chris Woakes, there is speculation that Stokes might shift to opening the bowling later in his career. He has only opened in two of his 120 Test matches, both in the subcontinent, but was England’s joint-leading wicket-taker in 2025 with 33 scalps at 23 each, suggesting a new level of effectiveness.
Despite the bowling success, Stokes’ batting returns have been thinner recently, but his red-ball focus remains clear as he continues to prioritize the longer format.
