England's Ben Stokes returns for Durham in NatWest T20 Blast

By Mike Patterson

Image: Ben Stokes scored five for Durham in the NatWest T20 Blast

England all-rounder Ben Stokes returned to action for Durham in the NatWest T20 Blast in his first match since undergoing knee surgery.

The 25-year-old, hoping to prove his fitness ahead of England's first Test against Pakistan from July 14, scored five while playing against Yorkshire Vikings as a specialist batsman.

Stokes underwent an operation after tearing a cartilage in his left knee during England's first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley in May.

Image: Stokes was injured during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley

The seamer had already taken to the field for Durham this week after appearing as a fielder in their drawn Specasvers County Championship match against Yorkshire, sharing 12th-man duties with Mark Wood.

Durham have two first-class matches before the Test squad to face Pakistan is selected - Sri Lanka A visit Emirates Riverside for a four-day game starting on Sunday, before Hampshire arrive for a Championship match starting on July 3.

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England fast bowler Wood, meanwhile, has not played since last October's Test match against Pakistan in Dubai, with the 26-year-old undergoing two operations on his left ankle in that period.

Image: Mark Wood is also on the comeback trail with Durham

"Mark Wood will play as a batsman for Durham against Sri Lanka A, starting on Sunday," said an ECB spokesman.

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"He will do his bowling during the intervals. If all goes to plan, he will make his full return in the Championship fixture against Lancashire on July 16."

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