Watch: Ben Stokes, making his return to the County Championship, was dismissed by Nathan Lyon for two during the Durham v Lancashire match in Blackpool.
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Stokes, playing his first game for Durham in two years, came out to bat at No.6, but could only survive eight deliveries of Lyon, before the Australia off-spinner captured him for a 16-ball two.
The dismissal came in the 44th over of Durham’s first innings, with Stokes beaten by Lyon’s turn. Pushed on the backfoot with three fielders near his bat, he ended up edging the delivery to Tom Bruce at second slip, who took a sharp, low catch. Before Stokes, Lyon had accounted for captain Scott Borthwick and wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson.
Earlier, Stokes sent down 18 overs, picking up two wickets to give a good account of his bowling fitness. This is Stokes’ first County game since 2022. Having opted out of the T20 World Cup, Stokes is gearing up for the Test summer, and is set to lead England against Sri Lanka and West Indies.
At the time of writing, Durham had reached 212-5, with David Bedingham’s unbeaten century bringing the trail down to within 150.
Stokes has been dismissed nine times by Lyon in Tests, the second-most by a single bowler, and only behind R Ashwin (13).
Watch Nathan Lyon get the better of Ben Stokes
A battle between Nathan Lyon and Ben Stokes was won by the Australian on this occasion.
It took Lyon just eight deliveries to dismiss Stokes in a thrilling mini contest. pic.twitter.com/yb71knEA1G
— Vitality County Championship (@CountyChamp) May 18, 2024
