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Former England captain Ben Stokes is set to return to competitive cricket for Durham less than a month after bringing the curtain down on his international career. The star all-rounder has been named in Durham's squad for their One-Day Cup clash against Derbyshire on Tuesday, marking his first appearance since retiring from England duty.
Ben Stokes' return also coincides with the opening day of The Hundred, although the 35-year-old had already decided against entering the player draft before announcing his retirement from international cricket. Instead, he will now focus on county cricket, with more appearances for Durham expected later in the season.
Ben Stokes to return for Durham after England retirement
Durham's One-Day Cup fixture against Derbyshire will mark Ben Stokes' first competitive outing since his England retirement. It also represents a fresh start for the all-rounder, who admitted that spending time back with Durham helped him rediscover his enjoyment of cricket after a difficult final phase with the national team.
Stokes explained that while stepping away from England was emotionally challenging, his brief return to county cricket reminded him why he fell in love with the game.
"Being back at Durham, when I wasn't playing in the second Test, I found a new lease of life for the game, but unfortunately I just couldn't get that feeling back," he said, as quoted by BBC.
The former England skipper said he is now fully focused on enjoying this new stage of his career with the county where it all began.
"I'm very excited about the next part of what I get to do. Going back to playing for my boyhood club Durham, I'm comparing this week to that week - right now I am buzzing."
Despite the excitement, Stokes admitted the decision to retire was not easy.
"But there have been moments this week that have been really tough and it just adds to everything and it makes it clear that I've made the right decision."
Following the One-Day Cup, Ben Stokes is also expected to feature in County Championship cricket before the end of the domestic season.
When was the last time Ben Stokes played ODI cricket & 50-over cricket?
Ben Stokes has not played any 50-over cricket since England's campaign at the 2023 ODI World Cup. His final international one-day appearance came in England's group-stage win against Pakistan at Eden Gardens on November 11, 2023.
In that match, England posted 337/9 after Ben Stokes top-scored with a superb 84 off 76 deliveries, while Joe Root contributed 60 and Jonny Bairstow made 59. Pakistan were then bowled out for 244, with Adil Rashid claiming 5 wickets as England secured a 93-run victory.
His return for Durham will also end a remarkable 12-year wait for a domestic List A appearance with the county. The last time he represented Durham in 50-over cricket was during their victorious 2014 One-Day Cup campaign. Stokes played a starring role that season, smashing 164 in the semi-final before helping Durham lift the trophy.
His most recent domestic 50-over appearance anywhere came in New Zealand in 2017, when he turned out for Canterbury during his break from England cricket.
Ben Raine signs one-year extension with Durham
Durham also received another major boost ahead of the One-Day Cup after experienced all-rounder Ben Raine extended his stay with the club by another year.
The new deal will keep him at Durham until at least the end of the 2028 season. Raine has been one of the county's most reliable performers since returning from Leicestershire in 2019 and is approaching 350 first-class wickets for Durham. He is also the club's leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket and has scored more than 4,500 first-class runs during his career.
After signing the extension, Raine expressed his delight at continuing with his home county.
"I am really happy to extend with Durham and continue my cricket at my home county. Playing for Durham is so much fun and at the moment I am really enjoying my cricket, I am over the moon to have extended and can't wait for the next couple of years with this group."
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell praised the veteran's influence both on and off the field.
"It is fantastic news that Ben has signed an extension with us – committing to another year with his home county."
"Everything about Ben Raine is what Durham Cricket stands for and since I have been at the Club he has been integral to our success in both red and white ball cricket."
"In addition to Ben's consistent performances year in year out on the field for Durham, his leadership within the changing room is outstanding. We all look forward to seeing Ben continue to play a key role in all formats in the coming years."
