Ben Stokes cleared for competitive return with Durham

England captain Ben Stokes will return to competitive cricket on Friday, featuring for Durham in their County Championship fixture against Worcestershire.

Stokes has been sidelined since England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year. His recovery was further delayed in February after he suffered a fractured cheekbone during a training session.

Durham coach Ryan Campbell confirmed the 34-year-old all-rounder will contribute with both bat and ball.

"He'll be bowling for us, 100 percent," Campbell said. "In one of the innings, he might even go with the new ball."

The return is a significant boost for England ahead of a demanding home summer featuring three-match Test series against New Zealand and Pakistan. England currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings and require clinical performances in both series to remain in contention for next year's final at Lord's.

While the international season looms, Campbell emphasized that Stokes is focused on his immediate domestic responsibilities.

"Stokesy is here as a member of our team to help win a game for Durham, not to get ready for England," Campbell told the Press Association. "I'm sure every England fan is delighted to see him back, but we're just happy to see one of our mates again."

England’s Test season officially begins next month when they host New Zealand.