Ben Stokes: England captain set to return to cricket with Durham

Stokes was Last seen on the cricket field On 7 January, a chaotic and controversial tour ended England’s 4–1 series defeat in Australia.

Just over a month later, at an academy session in Durham, the Test captain was hit by a ball hit by a batsman while standing near the nets, breaking his cheekbone and severely damaging his face.

It required surgery which delayed his involvement at the start of the domestic season, with most of England’s other Test players having already featured in Championship games for their counties.

Stokes has not played a red ball game for Durham for almost two years, but will be involved in their strong start to the season in North East Counties Division Two.

And Campbell doesn’t believe picking Stokes should just prepare him for the Test summer.

“We’ve made it very clear, Stokes is here as a member of our team to help us win cricket games for Durham, not to prepare for England,” he told the Australian Press Association.

“I’m sure every England fan is delighted to see him back but we’re delighted to see one of our mates back.

“He holds himself to such a high standard. He’ll be first in fielding drills, throwing balls at people and hitting a lot himself.

“We’ve already talked about Ben playing, how it brings more media and more attention to a game.

“It adds another layer, not of pressure but of responsibility to keep your own standards high. I really enjoy being around him.”