Ben Stokes returns to Durham with a ‘new lease of life’ after England retirement.

Ben Stokes is all set to start a completely different chapter in his cricket career. Just weeks after taking time out from his international tour with England, the all-rounder will don the Durham shirt again when his county side take on Derbyshire in the opening round of the One-Day Cup on Tuesday.

It will be Stokes’ first competitive appearance since then announces his shock retirement during England’s third Test against New Zealand last month. But more than the result itself, the match means something else – a chance for one of England’s greatest cricketers to enjoy playing again.

The timing is interesting. Stokes’ return comes on the same day as the revamped edition of The Hundred begins, but while many of England’s biggest names are heading for franchise cricket, the 35-year-old has chosen familiar surroundings instead.

When Stokes announced his retirement, he admitted he had stopped loving playing international cricket, but said a brief return to Durham during his break in England reminded him why he started playing the game in the first place.

“I’ve found new life for the game,” Stokes said. “When I was back in Durham, not playing in the second Test, I found a new zest for the game, but unfortunately I just couldn’t get that feeling back.

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS

Stokes’ return to Durham has been in the planning for some time. He had already opted out of The Hundred before retiring from international cricket and was expected to feature in the One-Day Cup regardless.

Now free from the demands of English cricket, the former Test captain is seizing the opportunity to represent the club where his professional career began.

“I’m very excited about the next part of what I’m going to do. I’m going back to playing for my boyhood club Durham… right now I’m fine,” Stokes said.

“But there were moments this week that were really tough and that just adds to everything and makes it clear that I made the right decision.

The Derbyshire lamp will also carry a sense of nostalgia. It will be Stokes’ first 50-over domestic game for Durham in 12 years, having last played in the format for the county during their 2014 One-Day Cup winning campaign. His unbeaten 164 in the semi-final against Nottinghamshire remains one of the best innings of his domestic career.

WHAT’S NEXT BEYOND STOKES?

The One-Day Cup may just be the beginning.

Stokes is also expected to feature for Durham in the County Championship before the end of the season, giving fans several more opportunities to watch one of England’s greatest all-rounders in county colours.

His return also comes at a time of transition in English cricket. With Stokes leaving international cricket, former England head coach Brendon McCullum has stepped down from his role, although the New Zealander revealed he had exchanged “nice messages” with his former captain following the announcement.

For now though, the focus is shifting away from England and back to Durham. After years of living up to the nation’s expectations, Stokes heads into Tuesday’s match with something much simpler – to enjoy cricket again, where it all began.

– The end

Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

15 Jul 2026 21:52 IST