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The Guardian Sport1 min read
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Stokes out for 14 in first innings since Ashes
TL;DR
Ben Stokes scored 2 runs in his first innings for Durham since the Ashes, as they ended the day at 207-6 against Worcestershire. The match marks his return after almost two years.
Key points
- Ben Stokes returned to play for Durham after almost two years.
- He scored 2 runs in his first innings since the Ashes.
- Durham ended day one at 207-6 against Worcestershire.
- Bedingham was the top scorer for Durham with 83 runs.
Ben StokesDurhamWorcestershireRothesay County Championship
Ben Stokes is playing his first match for Durham for almost two years [Getty Images]
Rothesay County Championship, Division Two, New Road, Worcester (day one)
Worcestershire 308: Home 63*, Hose 59, D'Oliveira 41; Raine 5-63, Stokes 2-54
Durham 207-6: Bedingham 83, Clark 48*; Waite 2-28, Taylor 2-52
Durham (3 pts) trail Worcestershire (4 pts) by 101 runs with four wickets remaining
Ben Stokes made only 14 in his first innings for five months on the second day of Durham's County Championship match at Worcestershire.
Stokes, batting for the first time since the Ashes, played a loose poke to the 17th delivery he faced and was caught at second slip.
It continued a dream day for Worcestershire 20-year-old Jack Home. In his third first-class match, the pace bowler followed up an unbeaten 63 batting at number 10 by dismissing Stokes with the first ball he bowled to the England captain.
Home and debutant Harry Darley added 57 for the last wicket, taking Worcestershire to 308 all out.
Durham reached 207-6 in reply, thanks mainly to 83 from David Bedingham. England hopeful Emilio Gay was earlier dismissed for 28.
On this ground four years ago, in his first innings since being appointed England captain, Stokes demonstrated the aggression he wanted his team to adopt.
He crashed 161 from only 88 deliveries, including 17 sixes. Five of them came in succession off one over from late Worcestershire spinner Josh Baker.
But Stokes' batting has gradually shifted down the gears, both in response to his own mixed form and the plight of his England side.
In the 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, Stokes' scoring almost ground to a halt as he attempted to demonstrate the "dog" he demanded from his team-mates. It was in contrast to the public words of head coach Brendon McCullum, who asked England to double down on the attacking intent.
On an idyllic Saturday at New Road, Stokes was simply looking for the rhythm of batting following the groin injury he suffered in the fifth Ashes Test and the broken cheek he sustained in an accident whilst coaching the Durham academy.
Q&A
How many runs did Ben Stokes score in his first innings since the Ashes?
Ben Stokes scored 2 runs in his first innings for Durham since the Ashes.
What was the score of Durham against Worcestershire on day one?
Durham finished the day at 207-6 against Worcestershire.
When did Ben Stokes last play a match before this one for Durham?
Ben Stokes last played a match for Durham almost two years ago.
Who were the top scorers for Durham in the match against Worcestershire?
The top scorers for Durham were Bedingham with 83 runs and Clark with 48 not out.
