Stokes returns to steer Durham home

BEN STOKES returned to help Durham to a Vitality Blast T20 victory against Birmingham Bears yesterday.

The England all-rounder, above, returned from a broken finger to hit 29 runs, claim one wicket and two catches, including a brilliant effort to dismiss Ed Pollock. Durham cruised home by 22 runs as the hosts made it four wins out of six.

Joe Root also impressed, hitting 49 as he captained Yorkshire to a 39-run win against Derbyshire Falcons.

Zak Crawley (69) helped Kent secure a 67-run win over Essex.