Ben Stokes strikes twice for Durham as England captain makes county comeback in first appearance post-Ashes

England Test captain Ben Stokes has put himself forward as a possible new-ball option for the Test series against New Zealand next month after taking two wickets for Durham in his first appearance since the Ashes.

Taking the field for the first time since a dispiriting 4-1 defeat concluded in January, Stokes opened the bowling on day one of his county comeback against Worcestershire, finishing with figures of 2-40 from his 14 overs.

Stokes had planned to make his county return at the start of the season but saw his plans derailed in pre-season, when an accidental blow to the face left him needing reconstructive surgery to repair a badly broken cheekbone.

Having been given the all-clear by specialists, the 34-year-old was straight back into the Durham side for a first County Championship appearance in two years, filling a pace bowling void left by an injury to Kemar Roach and the absence of England team-mate Matthew Potts.

Stokes did not waste any time making his presence felt after his side won the toss and inserted their hosts at New Road, tempting opener Daniel Lategan to nick off with his eighth delivery of the morning.

Stokes added a second late on in a rain-interrupted day, nailing Brett D'Oliveira's off stump with his first ball after an hour-long delay, Worcestershire ultimately closing the day on 199-7.