England’s all-rounder Stokes is ready to return to Durham for the first 50-over game in three years next Tuesday as he prepares for his comeback in the One Day Cup.
Stokes will make his debut for Durham in the Metro Bank One Day Cup three weeks after his international retirement was announced after England lost a Test match to New Zealand at Trent Bridge. He is coming back to play for Derbyshire in an away game.
He is now a retired Test superstar, but has been reported in for duty as a Durham cricketer,” said Durham head coach Ryan Campbell. He’s at training, he’ll be preparing for all our games, 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.
Durham are currently leading the County Championship Division Two and hope to have Stokes fit for their campaign to be promoted. The side will also be a potent team in the ODI with bowlers such as Alex Lees, Emilio Gay and Ollie Robinson. Stokes is likely to be seen at a number of outgrounds, such as Gosforth, York and Darlington.
Stokes Return and Future Plans
Stokes, who reached the age of 35 earlier this summer, has been plagued with a variety of injuries in recent years. Campbell admitted he would have to play his cards close to his chest in the Championship run-up.
“He’d hate for me to say this, but he’s not so young anymore,” Campbell joked. “But he’s a great competitor, and we know that once the competitive juices start, he’ll be all about it. Hopefully, he’s the missing link for us to get over the line to gain promotion.”
Stokes retired from international cricket and then took a family safari holiday before moving back to Durham. He was recently spotted at the club’s T20 Blast games, where he was seen to be relaxed and sign autographs.
Stokes is not on the squad for The Hundred this season but will be playing in franchise cricket overseas this winter. He continues to be in demand, and a number of Big Bash League clubs are keen to sign him.
Although he has retired, Stokes remains in the frame for a possible return next summer for the Ashes, particularly with the departure of Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach. Campbell brushed aside speculation about his own candidacy as a successor when asked about it.
To be honest, I can’t believe that my name is coming up,” he said. I think every coach in the world would want to coach England but with all the names that are being banded around, I’m not sure I’m going to be at the top of the list.
