London, July 22: England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes made a remarkable return to competitive cricket after announcing his retirement from international play. Playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup, Stokes scored an unbeaten 108 runs against Derbyshire, leading his team to a five-wicket victory.
Despite battling cramps throughout his innings, Stokes showcased exceptional skill and determination, guiding Durham to chase down a target of 257 runs. Derbyshire set a challenging score, posting 256 runs for the loss of nine wickets, with Martin Anderson contributing a solid century.
Durham’s start was shaky, losing two wickets early, but Stokes steadied the innings and gradually increased the run rate. He received valuable support from Will Rhodes (45), Colin Ackermann, and Ollie Robinson. Even as cramps plagued him, causing him to fall on the field after reaching his fifty, Stokes persevered and completed his century, hitting 10 fours and 3 sixes.
This match was particularly significant for Stokes as it marked his first List A (50-over) game for Durham in nearly 12 years, having last played for them in the 2014 One-Day Cup final. He had previously made headlines with a memorable 164-run innings in the semi-final of that tournament against Nottinghamshire.
At 35, Stokes had recently surprised fans by announcing his retirement from international cricket following the third Test against New Zealand. He missed the second Test due to an investigation related to an incident at a nightclub in London. During his time away from the England team, he played for Durham in the County Championship, reigniting his passion for the game.
Stokes opted out of the auction for ‘The Hundred’ league, focusing instead on playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup. There are speculations that he may participate in more County Championship matches before the season concludes. His last appearance in the 50-over format for England was during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
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