Stokes returns a winner as potential new role looms in Tests

England captain Ben Stokes has made a successful return from injury as he continues to build fitness ahead of an upcoming busy schedule of Test cricket.

Stokes turned out for Durham against Worcestershire in England's domestic County Championship and the all-rounder impressed in a new role of bowling with the new ball as he claimed a pair of wickets in each innings in the nine-wicket victory.

It was Stokes' first competitive hitout since England's disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia at the start of the year, with the veteran also still recovering from the broken cheekbone he suffered during training in February.

While Stokes failed to make much of an impression with the bat as he scored just 14 coming in at No.5 for Durham, the 34-year-old bowled with good pace when taking the new ball in both innings, in what could potentially be a sign of things to come for the England captain as early as next month.

England have a pair of three-match series against New Zealand and Pakistan across the next few months as they continue their ICC World Test Championship campaign and a dearth of pace options could see Stokes utilised with the new ball during their home summer.

England are still seemingly looking for their best combination with the new ball since the retirements of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, with injuries to Brydon Carse and Mark Wood, along with the question marks surrounding the fitness of Jofra Archer, providing selectors with plenty to ponder ahead of the first Test against the Black Caps at Lord's from June 4.

Potential fast bowling options include Ollie Robinson, Matthew Potts, Sam Cook and Sonny Baker, but Stokes' usage at County level could pave the way for the England captain to take the new ball against the Kiwis.

Stokes hasn't opened the bowling at Test level since he did so during the second innings of the first Test against Pakistan in 2022, but there were enough decent signs against Worcestershire to suggest a return to the role could be forthcoming.

Stokes may get another chance with the new ball when Durham travel to Beckenham for a four-day contest against Kent beginning on Friday, though the side are likely to have fellow England international Matthew Potts return after he was rested from the Worcestershire clash.

Durham coach Ryan Campbell recently praised Stokes for the impact the England captain has had on his squad and suggested his plan was to use the right-armer with the new ball at certain stages of his comeback.

"He'll be bowling for us, 100 percent," Campbell told the Press Association recently.

"In one of the innings he might even go with the new ball, that's in our thinking.

"I'm sure every England fan is delighted to see him back but we're just happy to see one of our mates again.

"He holds himself to such high standards. He'll be the first into fielding drills, throwing balls at people and hitting plenty himself.

"We've already spoken about Ben playing, how it brings more media and more eyes on a game.

"It adds another layer, not of stress but of responsibility to keep your own standards high. I'm really enjoying having him around."