Returning Stokes hits ton as Durham beat Derbyshire
Ben Stokes marked his first competitive appearance for Durham since retiring from Test cricket three weeks ago with a battling century, defying repeated bouts of cramp to steer his side to victory over Derbyshire in the One-Day Cup. It was his first List A match for the county in almost 12 years, and the innings underlined the resilience that characterised much of his England career, drawing a big crowd despite clashing with the opening day of the Hundred.
Chasing 257 after Derbyshire's Martin Andersson hit a century to set up 256-9, Durham lost early wickets before Stokes came in at four. He battled cramp from around his fifty onwards, at one point collapsing in pain, but finished unbeaten on 108 — his tenth List A hundred — with useful support from Will Rhodes, Colin Ackermann and Ollie Robinson, sealing a five-wicket win.
- Ben Stokes hit an unbeaten 108 on his Durham comeback.
- Durham beat Derbyshire by five wickets in the One-Day Cup.
- Stokes battled severe cramp throughout his innings.