Ben Stokes falls for 14 in Durham comeback match ahead of England’s Test season

England captain Ben Stokes scored just 14 for Durham against Worcestershire in the County Championship as he continues his comeback before the New Zealand Test series.

England Captain Ben Stokes Out For 14 On Durham Return (Image Source: AFP)

England captain Ben Stokes was dismissed for just 14 as he continued his return for Durham in their second division County Championship match away to Worcestershire on Saturday.

Pace-bowling all-rounder Stokes had taken two wickets on Friday's opening day at New Road in his first outing since England's woeful Ashes series loss.

But hopes of a significant first-innings contribution were dashed when he edged 20-year-old paceman Jack Home to second slip for a 14 made from 17 balls.

Worcestershire had earlier been dismissed for 308, with Home making a useful 63.

Durham reached stumps on 207-6, with David Bedingham contributing 83 and Graham Clark 48 not out.

Stokes suffered a freak injury when he was hit in the face by a ball during a net session while coaching academy players in February.

The 34-year-old, who suffered a groin strain during England's recent 4-1 Ashes humbling in Australia, had to undergo reconstructive surgery.

England's international season starts with a three-Test series against New Zealand at Lord's commencing on June 4.

Stokes enjoyed a revival as a Test-match bowler last year, taking 33 wickets at just over 23 apiece.