Stokes Misses Early County Championship Games, Prioritizes Recovery

Ben Stokes, the England Test captain, will miss the early stages of Durham's County Championship as he continues his recovery from hamstring surgery. Stokes, who has struggled with multiple hamstring tears in recent months, is focusing on being fit for England's busy summer schedule, which includes a Test against Zimbabwe and a five-match series against India, followed by the Ashes in Australia. Head coach Ryan Campbell emphasized the importance of not taking risks with Stokes or fellow injured players Brydon Carse and Mark Wood, all of whom are crucial for England's upcoming fixtures. Stokes has been actively participating in rehabilitation activities at Chester-le-Street and has shared updates of his progress on social media. While he is not expected to play early in the County Championship, there is hope he could return in later matches if he feels ready. Campbell expressed confidence in Stokes's work ethic and commitment to returning to the field as soon as possible.