England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to return to white-ball cricket for Durham in the upcoming Metro Bank One-Day Cup, marking another milestone in his recovery and return to competitive action.

The all-rounder has already resumed first-class cricket for Durham after recovering from injury and is now expected to feature in the domestic 50-over tournament. Durham head coach Ryan Campbell confirmed that Stokes will rejoin the squad for the competition, providing a major boost to the county side.

Ben Stokes set for White-ball return after long absence

Stokes has not played a One-Day International since the 2023 ODI World Cup, having shifted his focus primarily to Test cricket in recent years. His participation in the One-Day Cup is expected to help him regain rhythm in the shorter format while carefully managing his workload.

The England captain has been easing back into action through county cricket, with Durham using the tournament to give him valuable match practice. His presence is expected to strengthen the team’s chances in the competition while allowing him to continue building fitness ahead of future international assignments.

Durham receive timely boost

Stokes’ return comes as Durham prepare for a busy One-Day Cup campaign. His experience and leadership are expected to add significant value to the squad, even if his appearances are managed carefully.

The announcement also comes while the England and Wales Cricket Board continues its review of the off-field incident that led to Stokes missing England’s second Test against New Zealand. The investigation remains ongoing, with no official outcome announced so far.

Despite the ongoing review, Durham expect Stokes to be available for the tournament. His return is likely to draw plenty of attention from supporters eager to see one of England’s biggest stars back in limited-overs cricket.

For Stokes, the One-Day Cup represents another important step in his comeback as he works towards returning to full match fitness. For Durham, his availability provides a significant boost as they aim to challenge for the title in this season’s domestic 50-over competition.