Ben Stokes returns to Durham with 'new lease of life' after England retirement
Ben Stokes returns to Durham for the first time since retiring from international cricket, beginning a new chapter far from England's spotlight. The One-Day Cup opener offers the all-rounder a chance to rediscover the joy of playing where it all began.
Ben Stokes is ready to begin a very different chapter of his cricket career. Just weeks after calling time on his international journey with England, the all-rounder is set to pull on a Durham shirt once again when his county side take on Derbyshire in the opening round of the One-Day Cup on Tuesday.
It will be Stokes' first competitive appearance since announcing his shock retirement during England's third Test against New Zealand last month. More than the result itself, though, the match marks something else — a chance for one of England's greatest cricketers to simply enjoy playing again.
The timing is an interesting one. Stokes' return comes on the same day the revamped edition of The Hundred begins, but while many of England's biggest names head towards franchise cricket, the 35-year-old has chosen familiar surroundings instead.
Speaking after announcing his retirement, Stokes admitted he had fallen out of love with playing international cricket but said a brief return to Durham during his break from England reminded him why he started playing the game in the first place.
"I found a new lease of life for the game," Stokes said. "Being back at Durham, when I wasn't playing in the second Test, I found a new lease of life for the game, but unfortunately I just couldn't get that feeling back."
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
Stokes' return to Durham has been planned for some time. He had already opted out of The Hundred auction before retiring from international cricket and was expected to feature in the One-Day Cup regardless.
Now, without the demands of England cricket, the former Test captain is embracing the opportunity to represent the club where his professional career began.
"I'm very excited about the next part of what I get to do. Going back to playing for my boyhood club Durham... right now I am buzzing," Stokes said.
"But there have been moments this week that have been really tough and it just adds to everything and it makes it clear that I've made the right decision."
The Derbyshire fixture will also carry a sense of nostalgia. It will be Stokes' first domestic 50-over appearance for Durham in 12 years, having last played in the format for the county during their victorious 2014 One-Day Cup campaign. His unbeaten 164 in the semi-final against Nottinghamshire remains one of the finest innings of his domestic career.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR STOKES?
The One-Day Cup may only be the beginning.
Stokes is also expected to feature for Durham in the County Championship before the season concludes, giving supporters several more opportunities to watch one of England's greatest all-rounders in county colours.
His return also comes during a period of transition in English cricket. Since Stokes stepped away from international cricket, former England head coach Brendon McCullum has left his role, although the New Zealander revealed he had exchanged "nice messages" with his former captain following the announcement.
For now, however, the spotlight shifts away from England and back to Durham. After years of carrying the expectations of a nation, Stokes heads into Tuesday's match with something much simpler in mind — enjoying cricket again, back where it all began.
Ben Stokes is ready to begin a very different chapter of his cricket career. Just weeks after calling time on his international journey with England, the all-rounder is set to pull on a Durham shirt once again when his county side take on Derbyshire in the opening round of the One-Day Cup on Tuesday.
It will be Stokes' first competitive appearance since announcing his shock retirement during England's third Test against New Zealand last month. More than the result itself, though, the match marks something else — a chance for one of England's greatest cricketers to simply enjoy playing again.
The timing is an interesting one. Stokes' return comes on the same day the revamped edition of The Hundred begins, but while many of England's biggest names head towards franchise cricket, the 35-year-old has chosen familiar surroundings instead.
Speaking after announcing his retirement, Stokes admitted he had fallen out of love with playing international cricket but said a brief return to Durham during his break from England reminded him why he started playing the game in the first place.
"I found a new lease of life for the game," Stokes said. "Being back at Durham, when I wasn't playing in the second Test, I found a new lease of life for the game, but unfortunately I just couldn't get that feeling back."
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
Stokes' return to Durham has been planned for some time. He had already opted out of The Hundred auction before retiring from international cricket and was expected to feature in the One-Day Cup regardless.
Now, without the demands of England cricket, the former Test captain is embracing the opportunity to represent the club where his professional career began.
"I'm very excited about the next part of what I get to do. Going back to playing for my boyhood club Durham... right now I am buzzing," Stokes said.
"But there have been moments this week that have been really tough and it just adds to everything and it makes it clear that I've made the right decision."
The Derbyshire fixture will also carry a sense of nostalgia. It will be Stokes' first domestic 50-over appearance for Durham in 12 years, having last played in the format for the county during their victorious 2014 One-Day Cup campaign. His unbeaten 164 in the semi-final against Nottinghamshire remains one of the finest innings of his domestic career.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR STOKES?
The One-Day Cup may only be the beginning.
Stokes is also expected to feature for Durham in the County Championship before the season concludes, giving supporters several more opportunities to watch one of England's greatest all-rounders in county colours.
His return also comes during a period of transition in English cricket. Since Stokes stepped away from international cricket, former England head coach Brendon McCullum has left his role, although the New Zealander revealed he had exchanged "nice messages" with his former captain following the announcement.
For now, however, the spotlight shifts away from England and back to Durham. After years of carrying the expectations of a nation, Stokes heads into Tuesday's match with something much simpler in mind — enjoying cricket again, back where it all began.
Ben Stokes is ready to begin a very different chapter of his cricket career. Just weeks after calling time on his international journey with England, the all-rounder is set to pull on a Durham shirt once again when his county side take on Derbyshire in the opening round of the One-Day Cup on Tuesday.
It will be Stokes' first competitive appearance since announcing his shock retirement during England's third Test against New Zealand last month. More than the result itself, though, the match marks something else — a chance for one of England's greatest cricketers to simply enjoy playing again.
The timing is an interesting one. Stokes' return comes on the same day the revamped edition of The Hundred begins, but while many of England's biggest names head towards franchise cricket, the 35-year-old has chosen familiar surroundings instead.
Speaking after announcing his retirement, Stokes admitted he had fallen out of love with playing international cricket but said a brief return to Durham during his break from England reminded him why he started playing the game in the first place.
"I found a new lease of life for the game," Stokes said. "Being back at Durham, when I wasn't playing in the second Test, I found a new lease of life for the game, but unfortunately I just couldn't get that feeling back."
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
Stokes' return to Durham has been planned for some time. He had already opted out of The Hundred auction before retiring from international cricket and was expected to feature in the One-Day Cup regardless.
Now, without the demands of England cricket, the former Test captain is embracing the opportunity to represent the club where his professional career began.
"I'm very excited about the next part of what I get to do. Going back to playing for my boyhood club Durham... right now I am buzzing," Stokes said.
"But there have been moments this week that have been really tough and it just adds to everything and it makes it clear that I've made the right decision."
The Derbyshire fixture will also carry a sense of nostalgia. It will be Stokes' first domestic 50-over appearance for Durham in 12 years, having last played in the format for the county during their victorious 2014 One-Day Cup campaign. His unbeaten 164 in the semi-final against Nottinghamshire remains one of the finest innings of his domestic career.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR STOKES?
The One-Day Cup may only be the beginning.
Stokes is also expected to feature for Durham in the County Championship before the season concludes, giving supporters several more opportunities to watch one of England's greatest all-rounders in county colours.
His return also comes during a period of transition in English cricket. Since Stokes stepped away from international cricket, former England head coach Brendon McCullum has left his role, although the New Zealander revealed he had exchanged "nice messages" with his former captain following the announcement.
For now, however, the spotlight shifts away from England and back to Durham. After years of carrying the expectations of a nation, Stokes heads into Tuesday's match with something much simpler in mind — enjoying cricket again, back where it all began.
