Ben Stokes scores 95 for Durham as England near defeat to New Zealand
7 verified3 unconfirmed
Ben Stokes struck 95 off 118 balls for Durham against Northamptonshire on Saturday, his first match since being made unavailable for England due to a nightclub incident. His innings helped Durham recover from 30-3 in reply to Northants’ 450 all out in the County Championship. Stokes, 35, was bowled by Harry Conway just after tea, five runs short of a century. The knock included 18 fours and came as England slipped towards defeat against New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval. Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson are under investigation after breaking a team midnight curfew following England’s first-Test win. Both sources report it is likely Stokes will return to captain England for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, starting Thursday.
What’s verified
Ben Stokes scored 95 off 118 balls for Durham against Northamptonshire.
He was bowled by seamer Harry Conway just after tea, five runs short of a century.
The innings included 18 fours.
Stokes was batting with Durham at 30-3 at the start of his innings.
He was made unavailable for England following a nightclub incident in which he broke the team’s midnight curfew.
England were nearing defeat against New Zealand in the second Test at The Oval.
Sources indicate Stokes is likely to return to lead England in the third Test at Trent Bridge starting Thursday.
Not yet confirmed
One source notes Stokes’ last first-class century was in July 2025 against India, and he had scored only 350 runs in nine first-class matches since then.
One source reports that coach Brendon McCullum said he was “slightly bewildered” upon learning of the incident and was worried about Stokes.
One source mentions suggestions that Stokes could resign as captain or retire from international cricket.
Key figures
Ben Stokes: England Test captain (currently unavailable), Durham batsman.
Harry Conway: Northamptonshire bowler who dismissed Stokes.
Gus Atkinson: England pace bowler also under investigation.
Joe Root: Stand-in England captain for the second Test.
Sources: BBC News, Sky Sports
