India, May 8 -- England Test captain Ben Stokes didn't take long to impress on his return to competitive cricket on Friday.

The 2026 county cricket season match between Durham and hosts Worcestershire is underway, and Stokes struck in his second over. The allrounder had Worcestershire opener Dan Lategan caught by wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson for 2. Stokes bowled four overs straight and looked in fine fettle. He bowled with some serious intensity.

Durham coach Ryan Campbell had said on Thursday that Stokes was fully fit to play against Worcestershire and he might even bowl with the new ball. And that's exactly how it transpired on Friday.

"He'll be bowling for us, 100%. In one of the innings, he might even go with the new ball, that's in...