Stokes set for first game since England retirement

Stokes set for first game since England retirementImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ben Stokes has watched Durham play in the T20 Blast since his international retirementByStephan ShemiltCricket CorrespondentPublished5 minutes agoCommentsBen Stokes is set to play for the first time since retiring from international cricket by appearing for Durham at Derbyshire on Tuesday.The former England captain will be part of the opening round of matches in the One-Day Cup – the day The Hundred begins.Stokes announced an abrupt retirement from international cricket during England's third Test against New Zealand last month.Before that match, 35-year-old Stokes missed the second Test during an investigation into an incident in a London nightclub.In his period away from the England team, the all-rounder played in Durham's County Championship match against Northamptonshire.Although Stokes said he had developed "negative feelings" around playing for England, he said his time back in county cricket rekindled his love for the game."Being back at Durham, when I wasn't playing in the second Test, I found a new lease of life for the game, but unfortunately I just couldn't get that feeling back," said Stokes."I'm very excited about the next part of what I get to do. Going back to playing for my boyhood club Durham, I'm comparing this week to that week - right now I am buzzing."But there have been moments this week that have been really tough and it just adds to everything and it makes it clear that I've made the right decision."After playing in the One-Day Cup, Stokes could feature again in the Championship before the end of the season.The timing of his return means a clash with the launch of the revamped version of The Hundred.This season is the first since stakes in the eight franchises were sold to investors for about £520m, resulting in some new team names, branding and players earning more money.Stokes did n...