Ben Stokes smashes Durham hundred on return after England retirement

Ben Stokes blasted an unbeaten 108 off 123 balls on his Durham debut since international retirement as his side hunted down 257 to beat Derbyshire by five wickets in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Chester-le-Street on 21 July 2026.

What happened in the match?

Stokes walked out at 24 for 2 with Durham staring down the barrel, but he anchored a chase built on partnerships of 50 with Will Rhodes, 50 with Colin Ackermann and 23 with Ollie Robinson. He reached his half-century with a four off Nick Potts, then battled cramp in his left leg while racing to three sixes and ten fours. His hundred came off 116 balls, and victory arrived off the first ball of the final over.

Derbyshire had piled up 256 for 9 after choosing to bat first, with Martin Andersson top-scoring with 112. Stokes finished with 0 for 38 from nine overs, unable to break the partnership that set up Durham’s win.

Why it matters for Ben Stokes

This was Stokes’ tenth List A century and his first for Durham since 2014, delivered less than a month after he stepped away from England duty following the series-ending Test defeat to New Zealand at Trent Bridge. The unbeaten ton proved he remains a match-winner in county colours, even after walking away from the international stage.

His innings also underlined his enduring value with bat and ball in the 50-over format. Despite the cramp late on, he marshalled the chase and saw Durham home with three deliveries left. It was a statement return that stamped his status as one of the game’s most damaging all-rounders.

What comes next for Stokes?

Durham will hope Stokes’ fitness holds as the Metro Bank One-Day Cup continues. His presence lifts the side’s firepower, and his ability to accelerate while anchoring an innings makes him a prize asset in front of his home crowd.

For Stokes, the focus shifts to county commitments and possibly The Hundred, where his leadership and big-match nous remain in demand. His retirement from England duty frees him to play more domestic cricket, and this hundred suggests he’ll make it count.

Stokes’ return in quotes and stats

Stokes’ unbeaten 108 powered Durham to 258 for 5 with five wickets and three balls to spare. Andersson’s 112 kept Derbyshire in the game, but Stokes’ innings shifted the momentum and sealed the win. The left-leg cramp required treatment late in his knock, yet he kept swinging and ran hard enough to finish the job.