Ben Stokes marked a strong comeback to competitive cricket after healing from the cheekbone injury he sustained in February, delivering a disciplined bowling performance for Durham. The England captain returned to action on Saturday in his first appearance across any format since the concluding Ashes Test against Australia in early January, taking two wickets while working his way through a complete spell of 20 overs.
Key takeaways
- Stokes returned to cricket after a cheekbone injury, featuring in his first match of any format since the fifth and final Ashes Test earlier this year.
- Playing for Durham against Worcestershire, he finished with figures of 2/54 in a full 20-over spell.
- The England skipper displayed both pace and his recognizable seam movement during the comeback outing.
- Earlier in the year, Stokes underwent surgery after being struck on the face by a cricket ball while coaching Durham academy players.
- With England’s international schedule ramping up, his form could influence bowling plans ahead of the Test series against New Zealand.
- England then face a further three-match Test series versus Pakistan starting at Headingley on August 19.
Return after injury and surgery
The 34-year-old’s comeback came during a second-tier County Championship meeting between Durham and Worcestershire. In that match, Stokes bowled economically and looked settled, producing a spell that included two wickets while maintaining control through his overs.
Stokes’ absence from competitive cricket began after he suffered the cheekbone injury in February. He had required surgery after the incident in which he was hit on the face by a cricket ball while working with Durham academy players. In an internal interview held with the England and Wales Cricket Board last month, he described feeling fortunate to have made it through the episode.
Why England will be encouraged
England’s camp will take encouragement from the way Stokes returned to the bowling attack, opening the spell for Durham and immediately offering both speed and movement off the seam. That combination is likely to be viewed as a positive sign with England preparing for a demanding stretch of Test cricket over the summer.
There is also scope for Stokes to be considered for an opening-bowling role in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4. Stokes has previously opened the bowling twice in Tests, though he has not taken on that task since the 2022 series against Pakistan.
England will be looking to rebuild momentum after their heavy 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. The tour also brought additional scrutiny, including questions around player discipline and the leadership of coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key. With the calendar tightens, a smooth return from Stokes adds another layer to England’s preparations.
Next Test assignments
After the three-Test series against New Zealand, England are scheduled to play a further three-match Test series against Pakistan. The first of those games is set to begin at Headingley in Leeds on August 19.
