Ben Stokes Returns To County For Durham After Opting Out Of IPL 2024 And T20 World Cup
Ben Stokes recently led England in a five-match Test series vs India (AP)
England all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to make a return to County cricket for Durham. On April 12, the prestigious cricket club confirmed his presence for the ongoing County Championship 2024 season in England through a social media post.
Stokes recently led the English cricket team in a five-match away Test series against India. The 32-year-old all-rounder, who underwent a knee surgery back in November 2023, bowled five overs in India despite being advised against it.
Ben Stokes bowls again amidst County season
Ben Stokes opted himself out of the ongoing IPL 2024 season in India as well as from England’s title-defense in this year’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies. In an official statement, the cricketer cited fitness concerns as a reason behind his absence from the two premier T20 tournaments, considering he has been advised against bowling owing to his recent knee surgery.
Interestingly, despite the advice, Stokes was spotted bowling again during a Durham training session on April 12 ahead of their County Championship 2024 Division One clash against Warwickshire at Birmingham.
Durham also teased his potential return to County cricket as a full-fledged player with a social media caption that reads: “Back in Durham whites soon”
His latest move bewildered several of his fans, with many wondering his prioritization of County Championship for Durham after skipping T20 World Cup 2024 and IPL 2024 all while risking another knee injury by having a ball in hand.
Regardless, as per Durham’s social media post, one can expect Ben Stokes to feature in their subsequent County Championship Division One game against Worcestershire at Kidderminster between April 19 and April 22.
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