Ben Stokes, the former England captain who retired from international cricket last month, is set to make his competitive comeback when he turns out for Durham against Derbyshire in the opening round of the One-Day Cup. The match will mark the 35-year-old all-rounder's first domestic one-day appearance for Durham in 12 years — and his first 50-over cricket of any kind since England's 2023 ODI World Cup campaign.

The Return and What Triggered It

Stokes had stepped away from the England side during the second Test against New Zealand while an investigation into an incident at a London nightclub was conducted. During that absence, he played for Durham in the County Championship against Northamptonshire — an experience he later credited with rekindling his passion for cricket, even as it ultimately clarified his decision to retire from the international game.

'Being back at Durham, when I wasn't playing in the second Test, I found a new lease of life for the game, but unfortunately I just couldn't get that feeling back,' Stokes said, according to BBC Sport. 'I'm very excited about the next part of what I get to do. Going back to play for my boyhood club Durham, I'm comparing this week to that week — right now I am buzzing.'

He added that the week had also brought difficult moments: 'There have been moments this week that have been really tough. It just adds to everything and makes it clear that I've made the right decision.'

A Comeback Steeped in History

Stokes's last 50-over appearance for Durham was in the 2014 One-Day Cup final, which the county won against Warwickshire. Earlier in that tournament, a then 23-year-old Stokes scored a stunning 164 in the semi-final against Nottinghamshire. His most recent domestic one-day outing of any kind came in 2017, when he represented Canterbury in New Zealand during the period he missed England's Ashes tour following the Bristol nightclub incident.

Tuesday's match at Derbyshire will be his first 50-over domestic game since that 2017 stint — a gap of roughly eight years at that level of the format.

The Hundred and a New Chapter

Stokes's One-Day Cup return coincides with the launch of a new era for The Hundred, marking the first season since all eight franchises were sold to investors for approximately £520 million. The sale has brought new team identities, branding overhauls, and higher player salaries. Stokes, however, chose not to enter the player auction and had already committed to representing Durham in the One-Day Cup before publicly announcing his international retirement.

Venues and What Comes Next

Depending on Durham's schedule, supporters could see one of England's most celebrated cricketers at smaller county grounds. Home fixtures are slated for South Northumberland Cricket Club in Gosforth and Darlington CC, while an away tie against Yorkshire is set for York CC. Beyond the One-Day Cup, Stokes could also feature for Durham in the County Championship before the season concludes, extending what appears to be a deliberate and considered return to the domestic game.