England all-rounder Ben Stokes has signed a new three-year contract with Durham.

With a World Cup and a home Ashes series to come this summer, the county will still have to cede to international demands on the 27-year-old, currently ranked the fourth best all-rounder in Test cricket, but him tying down until 2021 is an important move.

“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.

“It’s an exciting time at Durham, especially with the rebrand of the club this winter and having a new coach, chief executive and director of cricket in charge.”

Durham are understandably delighted to have secured Stokes on a new contract.

“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,” said chief executive Tim Bostock.

“Ben is a shining example of what our young players can achieve with hard work and dedication to go alongside talent.”

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