At a glance:
- Ben Stokes returned to competitive cricket for Durham after recovering from a facial injury sustained in February.
- Stokes bowled 20 overs against Worcestershire in the County Championship and picked up figures of 2/54.
- England management will be encouraged by Stokes’ bowling rhythm ahead of the home Test summer.
The England Test captain Ben Stokes has made a strong comeback to cricket after recovering from the injury he sustained in February. In his comeback match for Durham on Saturday, Ben Stokes bowled a whole 20 overs and claimed two wickets. After the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia in early January, it was Stokes’ first game in any format.
In the match between Durham and Worcestershire in a second-division County Championship, Stokes produced economical numbers of 2/54 and was adept with the ball during his time. The England captain struck early in the match against Worcestershire at New Road when Daniel Lategan, undone by additional bounce and quick pace, edged behind to Ollie Robinson.
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He had surgery earlier this year when a Durham Academy prospect hit him in the face with a ball. Stokes acknowledged that he felt lucky to have survived the event at an interview with the England and Wales Cricket Board last month.
Meanwhile, he endured a disappointing return with the bat, managing only a handful of runs in the first innings. Batting for the first time since the Ashes, Stokes was caught at second slip after poking at a loose delivery.
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England Relieved by Stokes Strong Bowling Return
Stokes might even be considered to begin the bowling in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s Cricket Ground on June 4. The England captain has opened the bowling twice in Tests, but not since the 2022 series against Pakistan.
England will then face Pakistan in another three-Test series following the matches against New Zealand, with the first Test beginning at Headingley in Leeds on August 19.
England will also be encouraged by the return of Stokes’ pace and trademark seam movement during the match. With a demanding summer of Test cricket ahead, his successful comeback could prove vital. England are looking to rebuild after their 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia left the side under significant pressure.
England Going Through Rough Patch
The English Test side must also restore supporters’ faith after an Ashes tour overshadowed by player indiscipline and questions over the leadership of coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key.
Following their 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, England sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings. To keep alive their hopes of reaching next year’s World Test Championship final at Lord’s, they will need strong performances against Pakistan and New Zealand.
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