Former England allrounder Ben Stokes is all set to play his first 50-over game in three years as he gears up for Durham’s One-Day Cup opener against Derbyshire to be played on July 21 at the County Ground in Derby. Stokes sent shockwaves around the cricketing world by his sudden international retirement on day four of the Trent Bridge Test against New Zealand.
He is expected to be available throughout the course of the One-Day Cup and the County Championship.Durham’s head coach, Ryan Campbell, told Cricinfo that everyone at the club is pleased to have Stokes back and that he should be available for all the games, fitness permitting.
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“He’s now a retired Test superstar, but he’s reported in for duty as a Durham cricketer,” said Campbell. “He’s at training, he’ll be preparing for all our games. Of course, 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.”
Stokes enjoyed a little vacation with his family after the end of the New Zealand series and was also spotted at Durham’s games during the T20 Blast.
“He signed a million autographs and looked like he was having a good time,” Campbell added. “He’s back and ready to go. It’s business as usual, hitting a million balls and getting ready to bowl a thousand overs, I would have thought.”
Stokes is 35 now and has had several injuries in his playing career. Therefore, he needs to be careful before putting his body through the workloads of unrelenting domestic cricket. He won’t be seen in action at the men’s Hundred this season as he had declined to enter the auction in March. However, he is likely to be one of the most sought-after names at SA20 and BBL if he shows interest.
Durham coach Ryan Campbell plays down speculations of succeeding Brendon McCullum’s successor
Campbell has played down the rumours of joining England as their men’s Test head coach and succeeding McCullum.
“I can’t believe that my name got brought up, to be honest,” Campbell said. “I think every coach around the world would want to coach England… If I was to be rung up, I’d love [to have] the conversation. But in all honestly, with the names that are being thrown around, I’m sure I won’t be high up on that list.”
