England all-rounder Ben Stokes will be available to feature in T20 Blast quarterfinal for Durham against Sussex at home, the county said.
Meanwhile, initially, Stokes was ruled out of the clash with a slight niggle on his left knee. He suffered an injury during England’s 203-run loss to India at Trent Bridge.
The England Cricket Board (RCB) recalled Ben Stokes just days after his acquittal on a charge of affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September last year. He also retained his place for the fourth Test starting from August 30 at the Rose Bowl.
Shortly after ECB announced the Southampton squad, Durham confirmed Stokes availability. However, he will be available only in the roles of the left-handed batsman and fielder rather than lively right-arm pace bowler.
“England and Wales Cricket Board has made Ben Stokes available for tomorrow night’s Vitality Blast quarter-final against Sussex Sharks,” Durham said in a statement. “The all-rounder will add significant firepower as a batsman only as the Jets aim for a place at finals day,” it adds.
The premier all-rounder played a good hand with the bat in England’s second innings. He scored a crucial 61-run but couldn’t avoid England’s loss. Ben Stokes will be a massive boost for Durham, who aims for a place in the finals day.
Meanwhile, Durham Jets will play the quarter-final against the Susses Sharks on August 24 (Friday) at Emirates, Riverside.
Durham in the group league have played 14 matches and had nine out of them. They finished at the second spot in the North Group and will be keen to beat Sussex and progress in the semifinal.