Ben Stokes is set to make an all-action return to county cricket for Durham, with head coach Ryan Campbell confirming the England captain will bowl '100 per cent' and could even take the new ball against Worcestershire on Friday.
Full involvement from the start
Stokes, 34, has been sidelined since the Ashes after suffering a facial injury that required reconstructive surgery. His comeback was delayed, but he has been training hard and will not be used as a specialist batter. Instead, Durham plans to unleash him as a strike bowler, especially with West Indian seamer Kemar Roach no longer at the club.
Campbell told the Press Association: 'He'll be bowling for us, 100 per cent. In one of the innings he might even go with the new ball, that's in our thinking. Our captain Alex Lees is really keen for Ben to have a crack at that, whether it's one innings here or somewhere else, and we know a good spell from Ben could be a big weapon for us.'
Stokes has previously struggled with various injuries, including a shoulder complaint that kept him out of last summer's series decider against India and a groin problem during the final Ashes Test in Australia. However, Campbell expects him to bowl around 20-25 overs across the match, noting that 'once he gets into the battle it's hard to get him out of it.'
New-ball role for England?
Stokes enjoyed a resurgence as a bowler last year, taking 33 wickets at an average of 23.12, the most for England. Despite this, he has often resisted calls to open the bowling for his country. England have struggled to find a new-ball partner since the retirements of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Chris Woakes, making the role a priority this summer.
While Durham's move offers a glimpse of Stokes in that position, Campbell insists his focus is purely on winning for Durham, not preparing for England. 'We've made it very clear, Stokesy is here as a member of our team to help win a game of cricket for Durham, not to get ready for England,' he said.
Campbell added: 'I'm sure every England fan is delighted to see him back, but we're just happy to see one of our mates again. He holds himself to such high standards. He'll be the first into fielding drills, throwing balls at people and hitting plenty himself.'
Meanwhile, England white-ball captain Harry Brook is set to make his first county appearance of the season for Yorkshire against Warwickshire.
