Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes pulled his Durham whites on for the first time since 2022, with three appearances during the 2024 season.

Stokes made his County Championship comeback against Lancashire at Stanley Park to build up his bowling fitness following knee surgery. After two wickets in the first innings, the Cumbrian took impressive figures of 5/98 in the second innings.

Stokes performed impeccably with the ball once again in his first game back in Chester le Street as Durham took only five sessions to beat Somerset by an innings and six runs.

The 33-year-old was the pick of the bowlers once again; Stokes was back to his best with the ball as he led his side to a vital win and claimed match figures of eight for 77.

In the second innings, the England captain struck in the first over of his spell, removing Tom Lammonby for the second time in the match after he feathered one behind to Ollie Robinson. Stokes struck again in his next over to remove Umeed for 16 when he edged to Colin Ackermann at second slip.

The superstar all-rounder then got his third of the afternoon when James Rew departed for seven after he edged one to the dependable Robinson. Stokes continued his remarkable spell when Craig Overton edged to Ackermann to depart for six.

The left-hander scored his first half-century of the season against Worcestershire at Seat Unique Riverside. Stokes made 56 in a welcome return to form with the bat.

He stemmed the tide of wickets with a stand worth 46 alongside Robinson. Stokes upped the ante after lunch, chancing his arm with booming drives down the wicket. The England skipper worked his way to a timely half-century from 73 balls.

Stokes then captained England to a 3-0 Test series win against West Indies, scoring three half-centuries alongside five wickets with the ball.

After suffering a hamstring injury playing for Northern Superchargers, Stokes was ruled out of England’s Test series against Sri Lanka. He travelled with the squad for England’s tour of Pakistan but missed the series opener before playing his part in the final two Test matches.

Stokes captained England to a Test series win in New Zealand before undergoing hamstring surgery in January and is building up to full fitness ahead of the 2025 season.