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Ben Stokes returns after 31 months… Former England captain begins a surprising new chapter with Durham
Just weeks after retiring from Test cricket, Ben Stokes is set to make his long-awaited return to 50-over cricket for Durham in the 2026 One-Day Cup, marking his first List A appearance in over two years.
The return of Ben Stokes to one-day cricket is set to be one of the biggest talking points in English domestic cricket this summer. Just weeks after bringing the curtain down on his Test career, the former England captain is preparing for a fresh challenge as he rejoins his boyhood club, Durham, for the One-Day Cup 2026.
Stokes is expected to feature in Durham’s opening fixture against Derbyshire on July 21, ending a 31-month absence from 50-over cricket. While his retirement from Test cricket signalled the end of an unforgettable chapter, his return to white-ball cricket suggests there is still plenty left to offer on the field.
The all-rounder endured a difficult end to his international journey. A controversy off the field, followed by missing England’s second Test against New Zealand, eventually led to his decision to retire during the third Test of the series.
However, a brief return to Durham earlier this season appears to have reignited his passion for the game. Playing in the County Championship Division Two, Stokes impressed with a well-crafted 95-run knock against Northamptonshire, a performance that reminded fans of his enduring class.
Speaking about his comeback, Stokes admitted that returning to Durham gave him a completely different perspective.”Being back at Durham, when I wasn’t playing in the second Test, I found a new lease of life for the game. Right now I am buzzing,” Stokes said.
His excitement reflects a player eager to enjoy cricket again without the pressures that came with international responsibilities.
First One-Day appearance since the 2023 ODI World Cup
Stokes has not played a competitive one-day match since England’s final game of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup against Pakistan at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. In that contest, he scored a fluent 84 off 76 balls, helping England post 337/9 before securing a comfortable 93-run victory.
Although England’s World Cup campaign ended earlier than expected, Stokes signed off from international ODI cricket with a typically aggressive innings that showcased his match-winning ability.
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A special return to Durham
This comeback also carries emotional significance for the 34-year-old. The last time Stokes represented Durham in a One-Day Cup match was back in 2014, when he played a starring role in the club’s title-winning campaign.
His memorable 164-run innings against Nottinghamshire helped Durham reach the final, where they eventually lifted the trophy. Since then, the club has been waiting for another opportunity to see one of its greatest graduates return in List A cricket.
Across 50 List A matches for Durham, Stokes has scored 1,416 runs at an average of 34.53, including three centuries and five half-centuries.
Impressive List A numbers
Stokes’ overall List A record underlines why his return remains exciting despite stepping away from international cricket.
He has featured in 184 List A matches, scoring 5,303 runs at an impressive average of 38.42. His record includes nine centuries, 30 fifties, and a striking strike rate of 97.17.
With the ball, the experienced all-rounder has claimed 137 wickets, including one five-wicket haul and three four-wicket hauls, highlighting the all-round impact that made him one of England’s greatest match-winners.
As Durham prepare for the new One-Day Cup season, supporters will hope Stokes can once again inspire the club where his professional journey began. While his international career may now be over, his latest comeback proves that his love for the game is far from finished.
