Ben Stokes is set to play for Durham at Derbyshire on Tuesday in the One-Day Cup, his first appearance since retiring from international cricket last month. The former England captain announced his abrupt retirement during the third Test against New Zealand, having missed the second Test amid an investigation into a London nightclub incident.

During his time away from England, Stokes featured in Durham's County Championship match against Northamptonshire, which he said rekindled his love for the game. "Being back at Durham... I found a new lease of life for the game, but unfortunately I just couldn't get that feeling back," Stokes said. He expressed excitement about returning to his boyhood club, though acknowledged "moments this week that have been really tough."

The 35-year-old all-rounder could also feature in the Championship before season's end. His return coincides with the launch of the revamped The Hundred, whose eight franchises were recently sold to investors for about £520m. Stokes did not enter the Hundred auction and may play at intimate venues including South Northumberland Cricket Club in Gosforth, Darlington CC, and York CC.

This marks Stokes' first domestic one-day fixture for Durham in 12 years; his last was the 2014 One-Day Cup final victory over Warwickshire, where he scored 164 in the semi-final. His most recent 50-over cricket was the 2023 World Cup with England. Since his retirement, Brendon McCullum has been sacked as England Test coach.