Will Ben Stokes Be Fit for England’s Crucial Test Matches This Summer?

Ben Stokes is not expected to play in the early rounds of the County Championship as he battles to be fit to lead England, his Durham coach Ryan Campbell said on Monday.

The 33-year-old Test captain is recovering from hamstring surgery after breaking down in New Zealand in December, marking his second hamstring tear in five months.

England hosts Zimbabwe in May, followed by a five-Test series against India. Later in the year, it heads to Australia for the Ashes. Durham has six County Championship matches before the Zimbabwe Test.

Durham coach Campbell, also without England quicks Brydon Carse (toe) and Mark Wood (knee), stressed that no risks would be taken with any of the injured players.

“Carse, Stokes, and Wood are unlikely to feature for us at this stage,” Campbell said. “Anything else would be a bonus. They need to be fully fit for the Tests, and we know Stokes is working relentlessly in his rehab. He had surgery and was lifting weights the very next day, which is unbelievable. He sets the bar for the team.”

Campbell also emphasised the need to protect Carse, who impressed on his Test debut against Pakistan in October 2024, taking 27 wickets at 19.85.

“Carse is a top priority for England right now,” Campbell added. “With his potential, he’s made for Test cricket. But his foot issues have been ongoing, and we need to ensure he’s fully fit for the summer and winter series. I’m not sure if he’ll play for us in the meantime, but his long-term health is the focus.”

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