Durham’s County Championship season will begin without England Test captain Ben Stokes, but head coach Ryan Campbell is certain that the all-rounder will be playing at his best for his nation this summer.
After ripping his hamstring twice in six months, including worsening the injury during the last Test match of England’s tour of New Zealand, Stokes is presently recovering from hamstring surgery at the beginning of the year. Although he hasn’t played since, the 33-year-old has accelerated his recuperation; a recent video on his Instagram indicates that he has resumed bowling.
A five-match series against India follows England’s Test summer opener against Zimbabwe on May 22 at Trent Bridge. Stokes will utilise the upcoming weeks to prepare his body for the demands of 11 Test matches in eight months, followed by a journey to Australia for the Ashes. He has already withdrawn from playing for the Northern Superchargers in August in order to recuperate following the India series, with the Ashes scheduled to start in Perth on November 21. He had his first hamstring tear during the Hundred last year.
During Durham’s media day on Monday, Stokes, who has visited Chester-le-Street frequently during his recuperation, was present and ran shuttles on the outfield. Along with Mark Wood and Brydon Carse, he is one of three England players making a comeback from injury while being watched by the club. Wood had surgery on his left knee two weeks ago, officially ruling him out of the Test summer, while Carse is now recuperating from a left toe injury that kept him out of last month’s Champions Trophy.
Campbell maintains that no chances will be made because all three are essential to England’s ambitions, especially in Australia.
“At this stage, they’re probably not likely to play for us,” he stated. “I’m expecting it to be zero; anything more would be a bonus.
“All of them are recovering from severe wounds. The reality is that they must be operational by the time the Test matches begin.
Durham’s schedule for the Zimbabwe Test includes six Division One games. Therefore, if Stokes feels the need, he might use one of the later rounds to get in shape.
The only thing we know about Ben Stokes is that he works hard almost every day.
I couldn’t believe that after having hamstring surgery, the man was doing weights the following day. No matter where he is, he sets the standard.
“It’s incredibly exciting for England fans that he’s such a hard-working guy who will stop at nothing to be fit for the national team.
“It would be fantastic for Durham supporters if he were to play a game or two along the way. I’m sure he’ll be checking the scores and calling me to let me know what we should and shouldn’t be doing if he doesn’t.”
In addition, Campbell urged greater tolerance and vigilance surrounding Carse due to the right-arm quick’s ongoing problems with his landing foot, which became uncontrollable during England’s second Champions Trophy group-stage encounter against Australia. After making five appearances against Pakistan and New Zealand, the 29-year-old took 27 wickets at 19.85 to emerge from the winter as an essential cog in all formats, but especially in Test cricket.
“I think Brydon Carse is probably the number one priority for England right now,” stated Campbell.
“Based on his performance in Test cricket, he was destined for that kind of thing. I believe that he will be at the top of England’s list to ensure that he is prepared for the eleven Test matches that are scheduled for the summer and winter.
“His foot issues have been known to us for a year. Although that’s nothing new, if he plans to play a lot more Test cricket, he must do it correctly.
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