England all-rounder Ben Stokes has agreed a contract extension which will see him continue to play for Durham through to 2021.
Durham are putting the blocks in place for the coming season with the appointment of Cameron Bancroft as captain, and the re-signing of Stokes is the latest step in the county’s off-season overhaul which saw it rebrand its club badge and launch themselves as Durham Cricket.
Though he has a busy summer of international cricket to train for, Stokes outlined his desire to do everything possible to return the club to the top level of the domestic game.
“I love playing for Durham and am delighted to be signing a new long-term deal at the county where I learnt my trade,” Stokes said.
“I’m very passionate about helping Durham compete at the top level and if I am given any opportunities to play this season, I will give everything to the club.
Durham’s chief executive Tim Bostock added: “Ben is one of the finest players in world cricket and we’re delighted he has chosen to carry on his county career with Durham.
“He is now in the prime of his career and while we may not see him as much as we would like over the next year, his influence remains huge around the club.
“Ben is a shining example of what our young players can achieve with hard work and dedication to go alongside talent.”
Christchurch-born Stokes moved to the north east when he was 12, joining Durham’s player pathway soon thereafter and making his debut in 2009.
With a part to play in this summer’s Cricket World Cup and Ashes series for England, the 27-year-old has won a combined 154 caps (52 Test, 79 ODI, 23 T20) across all three formats.
