Ben Stokes returns with century to power Durham to victory over Derbyshire

Despite a clash with the opening day of this year’s Hundred competition, the prospect of seeing Stokes in action for the first time since his retirement from international cricket at the end of last month meant hundreds more spectators were present at the County Ground as the former England captain took to the field.

He delivered nine reasonably economical overs, but failed to take a wicket, finishing with 0 for 38 as Andersson’s century propelled the Falcons to 256 for 9.

With Andersson and Brooke Guest putting on a substantial partnership, hopes of a total exceeding 300 were high, but Guest’s dismissal for 48 sparked a cascade of wickets, eventually leaving Andersson stranded.

Batting at number four, Stokes joined the innings with 24 runs already on the board after Aitchison’s opening spell had removed both Derbyshire openers.

After a steady start, the 35‑year‑old accelerated, showing early signs of cramp as he approached his half‑century, which came via his fifth four off 71 balls.

Amid repeated bouts of physiotherapy treatment, Stokes added 74 runs with Rhodes, 66 with Ackermann (28), 52 with Robinson (23) and 41 with captain Kasey Aldridge (23) to turn the chase around with an innings that displayed the character typical of his famous performances for England.

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