Published: Jun 24, 2016, 05:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 24, 2016, 05:31 PM (IST)
London: England all-rounder Ben Stokes will continue his comeback after knee surgery by playing as a specialist batsman for Durham in the T20 Blast against Yorkshire on Friday evening. “Looking forward to getting back out on the park tonight for @DurhamCricket against Yorkshire,” Stokes tweeted. Stokes, who had to have an operation after feeling discomfort in last month’s first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley, is hoping to be back for England when they face Pakistan at Lord’s in the first match of that series on July 14. He was on the field again for the first time on Thursday, sharing 12th man duties with Mark Wood – another Durham and England player on the comeback trail after injury – against county champions Yorkshire on the final day at Chester-le-Street. READ: England vs Sri Lanka 2016: Ben Stokes’ absence leaves hosts selectors in fix
An England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesman said the pace-bowling all-rounder will play for his county rather than in a club match for Newcastle on Saturday – as was being considered. “Stokes will play as a batsman tonight for Durham in the T20 against Yorkshire,” said the spokesman. “He will not play club cricket tomorrow.” READ: Doesn’t Ben Stokes’ all-round skills remind us of Andrew Flintoff?
Wood has not played since last October’s Test match against Pakistan in Dubai, since when he has had two operations on his left ankle. The ECB spokesman added: “Mark Wood will play as a batsman for Durham against Sri Lanka A, starting on Sunday. READ: Ben Stokes: England’s multifaceted performer in Test cricket
“He will do his bowling during the intervals. If all goes to plan, he will make his full return in the championship fixture against Lancashire on July 16.”
