Ben Stokes battles cramps, scores first hundred after international retirement
Ben Stokes enjoyed a dream return to domestic cricket, scoring an unbeaten century to guide Durham to a five-wicket win over Derbyshire in their opening One-Day Cup fixture on Tuesday. Battling intense cramps for much of his innings, the all-rounder showed remarkable resilience to remain at the crease and see his side over the line.
The match marked Stokes’ first competitive appearance since announcing his retirement from Test cricket, as well as his first List A game for Durham in almost 12 years. Leading from the front, the former England captain finished unbeaten on 108 as Durham chased down a target of 257. Despite repeatedly being hampered by cramps—at one stage collapsing in pain soon after reaching his fifty—Stokes refused to retire hurt and completed the chase.
Earlier in the day, Stokes was unable to make an impact with the ball, returning figures of 0 for 56 from his allotted nine overs as Derbyshire finished on 256 for 9.
Derbyshire’s innings was built around a patient century from Martin Andersson, while Ben Aitchison gave the visitors the ideal start by removing two Durham batters with the new ball.
Facing early pressure in the chase, Stokes steadied the innings with a crucial partnership alongside Will Rhodes, who made 45. Colin Ackermann and Ollie Robinson then chipped in with valuable contributions, allowing the veteran all-rounder to pace the chase despite his physical struggles. He eventually reached his hundred and remained unbeaten to seal an inspiring victory for Durham.
The 35-year-old returned to action only days after his shock decision to step away from international cricket during England’s third Test against New Zealand. Having skipped The Hundred auction, Stokes had already committed to playing for Durham in the One-Day Cup.
He had also sat out the second Test against New Zealand while authorities investigated an incident at a London nightclub. During that spell away from international cricket, he featured for Durham in a County Championship match against Northamptonshire, later revealing that the experience reignited his love for the game.
Tuesday’s contest also ended a lengthy absence from 50-over cricket for Stokes, whose previous appearance in the format came during England’s disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, which ultimately proved to be his final limited-overs match for the national team.
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