Ben Stokes Returns to Competitive Cricket with Durham

Ben Stokes is making his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket as part of the Durham squad for their Division Two clash against Northamptonshire. Following a nightclub incident that led to his absence from the second Test against New Zealand, Stokes is eager to get back on the field. The match is scheduled from June 19 to 22 at the Riverside Ground. With Alex Lees as captain, the team includes several key players, despite some fitness concerns. Read on for more details about the squad and the upcoming match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 19:17 IST

Stokes Makes Comeback in Durham Squad

Ben Stokes is poised to return to the field as he has been included in the Durham lineup for their upcoming Division Two match against Northamptonshire. His absence from the second Test against New Zealand, alongside Gus Atkinson, was due to a nightclub incident that is currently under investigation by the England Cricket Board (ECB), which has yet to disclose further details.

This match will mark Stokes' first appearance for Durham since June 2024. The game is set to take place from June 19 to 22 at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. Alex Lees will captain the Durham team, which features notable players such as Colin Ackermann, Duanne Olivier, Matthew Potts, Will Rhodes, and Ollie Robinson. Despite his fitness concerns, Robinson has been included in the squad, as he is sidelined from the second Test against New Zealand due to knee issues.

Durham squad: Alex Lees (Captain), Ben Stokes, Colin Ackermann, Kasey Aldridge, David Bedingham, Graham Clark, Ben McKinney, James Minto, Duanne Olivier, Callum Parkinson, Matthew Potts, Ben Raine, Will Rhodes, Luke Robinson, Ollie Robinson.