Durham head coach says club is flattered by Ben Stokes’ kind words

Head coach Ryan Campbell says that everyone at Durham was flattered by the way departing England captain Ben Stokes spoke about his county.

Stokes retired from Test cricket during the third Test defeat by New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The 35-year-old said he had enjoyed playing for Durham in their County Championship game against Northamptonshire while he was suspended for the second Test and how it had rekindled his love of the game.

“It was absolutely flattering,” Campbell told BBC Radio Newcastle. “Every single Durham player couldn’t believe how well he spoke about Durham and the time he’s been back, and that he’s looking forward to coming back with us.”

Campbell and the Durham players only found out about Stokes’ decision during their T20 win over Middlesex on Sunday.

The Australian has since exchanged messages with the all-rounder about his availability for Durham in the One-Day Cup, given that he does not have a team in The Hundred.

Then there are six rounds remaining in the County Championship, which resumes in August, with Durham 32 points clear at the top of Division Two.

“He was scheduled to play in the One-Day Cup,” Campbell said. “From the sounds of it, it could be a little bit of One-Day Cup and some Championship, so I think we’re going to see a bit of Ben up at Durham.”