Ben Stokes Impresses With Two Wickets On Red Ball Return For Durham 2026

Ben Stokes made a quiet but effective return to red-ball cricket for Durham against Worcestershire at New Road, taking two wickets in his first outing since the 2023 Ashes. The England captain, who has stepped away from white-ball formats, looked sharp and svelte as he bowled 14 overs across three spells, claiming the scalps of Dan Lategan and Adam Hose. His performance has sparked discussions about a potential late-career shift to opening the bowling for England.

Stokes Sheds White Ball Focus for Red Ball Passion

Ben Stokes has fully committed to red-ball cricket, his last one-day international coming at the 2023 World Cup and his most recent Twenty20 international helping England win the T20 World Cup in 2022. His last white-ball match of any kind was during The Hundred in 2024, a tournament he has since opted out of. Red-ball cricket is the format that now drives the England captain, and he had planned to be available for Durham from the start of the 2026 season before a fractured cheekbone in February delayed his return.

Despite the financial lure of franchise leagues, Stokes has prioritised Test cricket. His dedication was evident in his fitness: he looked even more svelte than usual, having spent his injury layoff pounding the treadmill rather than adding weight. Under the watchful eye of England’s lead physio, Ben Davies, Stokes bowled with pace and control, the quickest bowler on display at New Road.

Two Wickets Signal Form and Fitness

Stokes needed only eight deliveries to make an impact. He generated extra bounce to tickle the edge of Dan Lategan’s backfoot drive, claiming his first wicket. Later, with a rainbow over Worcester Cathedral, he bowled Adam Hose for 59 with a delivery that shaped away before nipping back in. It was a beauty that showcased his skill and movement.

Key statistics from his performance:

Could Stokes Become England’s New Ball Opener?

Notably, Stokes started with the new ball for Durham, partly because Matthew Potts was rested and Duanne Olivier was not ready after replacing the injured Kemar Roach. However, this tactical move has wider implications for England. This will be England’s first home summer in 20 years without one of Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, or Chris Woakes, creating a clear vacancy for a new-ball bowler.

England have been sounding out previously untrusted options like Ollie Robinson and encouraging Sam Cook after his solitary Test cap. Stokes, at 34, was England’s joint-leading wicket-taker in 2025 alongside Josh Tongue, picking up 33 wickets at an average of 23. While he has only opened the bowling in two of his 120 Test matches—both on the subcontinent—his recent form suggests he could be a viable option. Marcus North is expected to be confirmed as England’s new selector, and this could be a discussion point ahead of the three-Test series against New Zealand in June.

FAQ: Ben Stokes’ Red Ball Return

Why did Ben Stokes step away from white-ball cricket?

Stokes has prioritised red-ball cricket to prolong his Test career and focus on captaining England. His last white-ball match was The Hundred in 2024, and he has not played a T20I since the 2022 T20 World Cup or an ODI since the 2023 World Cup.

How many wickets did Stokes take on his return?

Stokes took two wickets against Worcestershire: Dan Lategan, caught behind off a rising delivery, and Adam Hose, bowled for 59 by a ball that swung away before nipping back.

Could Ben Stokes open the bowling for England in Tests?

It is a possibility being discussed. Stokes opened the bowling for Durham in this match, and with England needing a new-ball bowler after the retirements of Anderson and Broad, his 33 wickets in 2025 at an average of 23 make him a strong candidate. However, he has only opened the bowling twice in 120 Tests.