England captain Ben Stokes picked up an early wicket as he took the brand new ball for Durham on his first aggressive look for the reason that Ashes.
Stokes had deliberate to make his county return from the beginning of the season however noticed his comeback delayed when an unintended ball to the face left him needing reconstructive surgical procedure to restore a badly damaged cheekbone.
Having been given the all-clear by specialists, he returned to the XI towards Worcestershire at New Highway and was immediately requested to open the bowling on his first County Championship look in two years.
It took the Check skipper simply eight deliveries to make his mark, South African-born batter Daniel Lategan crushed with additional tempo and bounce as he flashed exterior off and was held by wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson.
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Rapid reward
It was a direct reward for Durham, who determined to utilise the all-rounder first up within the absence of the rested Matthew Potts and injured West Indian seamer Kemar Roach.
Stokes’ preliminary spell comprised solely 4 overs at a value of 14 runs, however he seemed in good situation – lean, fast and getting loads of raise out of the pitch as he hit Robinson’s gloves laborious.
He returned for a second burst earlier than the lunch break, sending down 4 extra overs for an extra 10 because the hosts reached 93 for 4.
(Nigel French/PA)
New-ball bowler search
England are looking out for a new-ball bowler to steer their assault this summer season following some disappointing returns within the Ashes.
The likes of Sussex’s Ollie Robinson, Essex’s Sam Prepare dinner and Surrey’s Matt Fisher have all been mooted as doable choices however there’s now the intriguing chance of Stokes placing his hand as much as tackle a place he has beforehand resisted.
On the age of 34 and with a bunch of damage issues in his current previous – together with a shoulder difficulty final summer season and a groin criticism in his last Check in Australia – it might appear an extended shot however Stokes was the choose of the English assault all through 2025, taking 33 wickets at 23.12, and could be an attacking choice initially of the innings.
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