Stokes Returns to Red-Ball Cricket with Impact
England captain Ben Stokes has quietly stepped away from the shorter formats of cricket. His last one-day international appearance was at the 2023 World Cup, and his final Twenty20 international contributed to England’s victory in the equivalent tournament a year earlier. His most recent white-ball match of any kind took place during the 2024 Hundred tournament, which he has since opted not to participate in further.
Currently, red-ball cricket is where Stokes finds his passion. Had it not been for a fractured cheekbone sustained in the nets in February, he had planned to be available from the start of the season. This decision is understandable, considering the additional earnings potential from diversifying his playing formats in the latter stages of his career.
Strong Performance Against Worcestershire
Stokes made his belated return to Championship cricket against Worcestershire at New Road on Friday. He made an immediate impact, taking only eight deliveries to claim his first wicket. While not quite a dramatic script, especially at one of Ian Botham’s former grounds, it was a tidy and effective piece of bowling. Stokes generated extra bounce to induce an edge from Dan Lategan’s backfoot drive.
This wicket was the first of two for Stokes in his first outing since the Ashes. Worcestershire struggled to 163 for six by 6pm on a rain-affected day. His second wicket came later, with a rainbow visible over the cathedral in the distance, when he bowled Adam Hose for 59 with a delivery that initially swung away before sharply moving back in.
Under the supervision of England’s lead physio Ben Davies, Stokes bowled 14 overs across three spells and appeared sharp throughout. His pace was the quickest on display, and he looked even leaner than usual. Unlike some players who gain weight during injury layoffs, Stokes has maintained his fitness by rigorous treadmill work.
Opening the Bowling for Durham
Notably, in his first Championship match for Durham in nearly two years, Stokes began with the new ball. This was partly due to Matthew Potts resting after a heavy workload in the early rounds and Duanne Olivier not yet ready after arriving to replace the injured Kemar Roach. However, this development may hold significance for England’s future plans, particularly with the upcoming three-Test series against New Zealand in June.
Marcus North is expected to be confirmed as England’s new selector shortly. North, Durham’s director of cricket, was not present at New Road. One possibility under consideration is whether Stokes might be interested in a late-career transition to opening bowler.
There is a clear vacancy in this role, as this will be England’s first home summer in 20 years without the availability of Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, or Chris Woakes. This context explains the early-season trials of previously untested bowlers like Ollie Robinson and the encouragement given to Sam Cook after his solitary Test cap last year.
Potential Role Shift and Career Reflections
Whether Stokes would be suitable or willing to take on the role of a full-time opening bowler remains uncertain. To date, he has opened the bowling in only two of his 120 Test matches, both times in the subcontinent before spinners took over.
At 34 years old, Stokes was England’s joint-leading wicket-taker in 2025 alongside Josh Tongue, each claiming 33 wickets at an average of 23 runs apiece. His performance suggested he had reached a new level, with increased pace and more movement than many of his peers.
Conversely, his batting returns have declined somewhat. His century against India at Old Trafford last summer was his first in two years, while his tour of Australia concluded with only two half-centuries and an average of 18.4. Questions also remain about his batting approach for the upcoming summer.
Batting Style and Future Direction
It was at New Road four years ago that Stokes first showcased the aggressive style dubbed Bazball, scoring 161 runs off 88 balls. However, during the winter, he appeared to move away from this approach, sending a pointed message to his players by adopting a more determined and patient batting style.
After reflecting on this change with head coach Brendon McCullum, who felt Stokes had previously gone too far in the other direction, it remains to be seen what strategy will be adopted moving forward. Regardless, Stokes has made it clear that playing red-ball cricket is where he wishes to focus his efforts.
