Worcester: England captain Ben Stokes is set to make his competitive return to cricket during Durham's County Championship match against Worcestershire starting Friday. Stokes has been absent from all forms of cricket since England's challenging Ashes tour in Australia earlier this year and subsequent injury setbacks.

According to International Cricket Council, the all-rounder suffered a fractured cheekbone during a training session in February but has now returned to full training. Ryan Campbell, Durham's coach and former Australian international, confirmed Stokes will be bowling and may even take the new ball in one of the innings during the four-day match in Worcester.

Stokes faces a packed schedule in the coming months as England gears up for Test series against New Zealand and Pakistan, crucial for their standing in the ICC World Test Championship. England is currently seventh in the rankings and requires strong performances in these series to remain in contention for the final at Lord's next year.

Despite Stokes' international commitments, Campbell emphasized that his primary focus should be on his role with Durham. "Stokesy is here as a member of our team to help win a game of cricket for Durham, not to get ready for England," Campbell stated to the Press Association. He acknowledged the added attention Stokes' participation brings but welcomed it as part of maintaining high standards within the team.