Ben Stokes struggles with cramps, scores first hundred after international retirement

Ben Stokes enjoyed a dream return to domestic cricket as he scored an unbeaten hundred to lead Durham to a five-wicket win over Derbyshire in their One-Day Cup opener on Tuesday. Battling intense cramps for most of his innings, the all-rounder showed remarkable resilience to stay at the crease and see his side over the line.

The match marked Stokes’ first competitive appearance since announcing his retirement from Test cricket, as well as his first List A game for Durham in nearly 12 years. The former England captain led from the front and finished unbeaten on 108 as Durham chased down a target of 257. Despite being repeatedly hampered by cramps – at one stage collapsing in pain soon after reaching his fifty – Stokes refused to retire with injury and completed the chase.

Earlier in the day, Stokes was unable to hit the ball and returned figures of 0 for 56 from his allotted nine overs as Derbyshire finished on 256 for 9.

The Derbyshire innings was built around a patient century from Martin Andersson, while Ben Aitchison gave the visitors the ideal start by removing two Durham batsmen with the new ball.

Faced with early pressure in the chase, Stokes leveled the innings with a vital partnership alongside Will Rhodes, who made 45. Colin Ackermann and Ollie Robinson then made valuable contributions, allowing the veteran all-rounder to chase the pace despite physical issues. He eventually reached his hundred and remained unbeaten to seal an inspiring victory for Durham.

The 35-year-old returned to action just days after his shock decision a step away from international cricket during England’s third Test against New Zealand. Stokes skipped The Hundred auction and committed to playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup.

He also sat out the second Test against New Zealand while authorities investigated the London nightclub incident. During this spell away from international cricket, he featured for Durham in a County Championship match against Northamptonshire, later revealing that the experience reignited his love for the game.

Tuesday’s match also ended a long absence from 50-over cricket for Stokes, whose previous appearance in the format came during England’s disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, which ultimately turned out to be his last limited-overs game for the national team.

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Published on:

Jul 22, 2026 1:47 PM IST