Ben Stokes to Play for Durham in T20 Blast Quarterfinal

England all-rounder Ben Stokes is all set to be available as a specialist batsman for Durham in their Twenty20 Blast Quarterfinal match against Sussex.

The news was made public by the County on Thursday. Stokes was initially ruled out of the quarter-final at Chester-le-Street headquarters following a minor discomfort in his left knee.

Big squad news: @benstokes38 has been added to tomorrow night’s squad as a batsman-only

➡️ https://t.co/0AkFUbc0YP#ForTheNorth pic.twitter.com/cW384vuIy1

— Durham Jets ? (@DurhamCricket) August 23, 2018

However, the all-rounder was recalled for the 3^rd Test at Trent Bridge after missing out the 2^nd Test at Lord’s. It was due to the charge of affray after the incident outside the Bristol nightclub in September last year. Ben was cleared during the trial and immediately named in the playing XI for the Nottingham game.

Recently, Ben Stokes was confirmed for the match against Sussex shortly after the Test squad for Southampton announced. However, he will be playing only as a batsman and a fielder and won’t serve as a right-arm medium fast bowler who can clock good speeds.

Ben Stokes was made available by England and Wales Cricket Board 

“Ben Stokes has been made available by the England and Wales Cricket Board for tomorrow night’s Vitality Blast quarter-final against Sussex Sharks,” he was quoted as saying in a statement on Durham’s website.

“The all-rounder will add significant firepower as a batsman only as the Jets aim for a place at finals day. Stokes was initially ruled out of contention due to a left knee niggle but has been re-assessed — and the England medical team, in conjunction with Durham, have passed him fit to play as a specialist batsman,” he further added.

Stokes will be one of the most important players for England in the Southampton Test, as they look to seal the series after a setback in Nottingham.

He looks in form with both bat and the ball. Hence, Ben will provide the much-needed stability in the team if England harbour hopes of making it 3-1 at the Ageas Bowl.