Stokes targets May return after knee scan

Ben Stokes has been cleared to play for Durham in May

Ben Stokes is set to return to action for Durham in the County Championship next month after a scan did not reveal any fresh damage in his left knee.

The England vice-captain suffered knee problems during the tour of the West Indies, as Joe Root’s side slumped to a Test series defeat after a disappointing loss in Grenada.

But Stokes is still on scheduled to feature for his county in May after checks confirmed he had not sustained a new injury.

A statement from the ECB read: “Ben had a scan on his left knee which didn’t reveal anything new.

“We had planned for him to return to LV= Insurance County Championship cricket in early May and, while he is feeling tender in the knee, that plan remains the same following the scan.

“We’ll continue to manage him in conjunction with Durham.”

More to follow…