Ben Stokes on course for return from injury
Ben Stokes, the England all-rounder, is set to return from his five-week injury absence in a Twenty20 match for Durham.
Stokes, who tore his left hamstring before the second Test against Pakistan in early June, will play in the T20 Blast match on 5 July against Yorkshire, but as a specialist batsman.
His appearance paves the way for his return to international cricket, which is expected to be in time for the third T20 International against India on 8 July.
Stokes' return will give an England set-up that has been in red-hot form a selection conundrum. But Paul Farbrace, the stand-in coach, insisted Stokes would be a shoo-in.
CENTURY: Ben Stokes brings up his 100
“Stokes is a three-in-one player,” said Farbrace. “He can bowl and he is the best fielder so you are going to bring him in as soon as he is available.”
Joe Root, the England Test captain, who, given the side’s hectic all-format schedule, has played only six T20Is since their finals appearance in the ICC World T20 2016, has been suggested as one of those who could make way. Besides, his strike rate of 129.45 and reputation as a technically strong batsman who gives himself time to settle rather than a big-hitter like some of his team-mates makes his position in the XI a bit tricky.
Farbrace, however, insisted that Root’s “nous” was valuable to the side.
Stokes takes 3-26 as Eng restrict NZ to 153-8
Ben Stokes takes 3-26 as Eng restrict NZ to 153-8 in the semi-final, ICC World Twenty20 India 2016.
"You need your best batsman," he said. "I can't believe anybody else in our set-up would argue against that.
"[Root] is world-class in all forms of the game. You do need nous, and you do need people playing in different ways.
"The best players adapt and score runs, whether it is 20 overs or 50 overs or Test match cricket, and he is without doubt one of the finest players in the world. He could go anywhere from three to six. It is nice having that flexibility and that cool, calm head."
