The all-rounder joined his local side, Durham, for a club game against Northumberland in preparation for the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
Weeks after announcing his retirement on day four of the third Test against New Zealand, the 35-year-old returned to action in Durham's Second XI in a one-day friendly against Northumberland at Allendale Cricket Club in Hexham. The annual warm-up games see each first-class county face a National Counties side ahead of the domestic one-day season. National Counties comprise 20 amateur teams representing the historic counties of England and Wales that do not hold first-class status.
Walking in at No. 4 in the first innings, Stokes was dismissed for eight after attempting a square drive against Northumberland seamer Jonathan Bushnell. The delivery, short of a good length, induced an outside edge through to the wicketkeeper as the former England skipper looked to free his arms without moving his feet.
His side were bowled out for 258, with Will Rhodes becoming the only batter to cross fifty in the innings, making 67 in 62 balls.
Stokes is expected to be available throughout the One-Day Cup as well as the remainder of the County Championship season, subject to fitness.
Durham currently sit atop Division Two of the County Championship and are expected to field a One-Day Cup squad that features the likes of Emilio Gay and Ollie Robinson. The tournament will also mark Stokes' first appearance in 50-over cricket in nearly three years. His last List A match was in the 2023 ODI World Cup, against Pakistan.
Stokes, however, will not feature in this season's The Hundred after opting not to enter the player draft. Earlier this year, he also withdrew from his contract with SA20 side MI Cape Town because of injury.
Watch Ben Stokes innings in the Second XI friendly here:
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
