England captain Ben Stokes is set for an all-action county comeback, with Durham considering using him as a new-ball strike bowler in their match against Worcestershire starting Friday. Stokes will make his first appearance since the Ashes, his return delayed by facial surgery after being hit by a ball.
Stokes Ready to Bowl Full Throttle
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell confirmed Stokes will bowl, possibly with the new ball, despite his recent injury history. "He'll be bowling for us, 100 per cent. In one of the innings he might even go with the new ball, that's in our thinking," Campbell told the Press Association. Stokes missed last summer's India series decider with a shoulder issue and played through a groin injury in Australia but has trained hard.
Campbell added: "Our captain Alex Lees is really keen for Ben to have a crack at that, whether it's one innings here or somewhere else, and we know a good spell from Ben could be a big weapon for us." Stokes is expected to bowl 20-25 overs in the game.
England Bowling Boost
Stokes had a bowling renaissance last year, taking 33 wickets at an average of 23.12, topping England's charts. England have struggled to find a new-ball bowler after retirements of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Chris Woakes. However, Campbell stressed Durham's priority is winning: "Stokesy is here as a member of our team to help win a game of cricket for Durham, not to get ready for England."
England white-ball captain Harry Brook will also make his first county appearance for Yorkshire against Warwickshire.
