Two stars of international cricket, Kuldeep Yadav and Ben Stokes, were in action during the Yorkshire vs Durham fixture of the ongoing One-Day Cup, which is England’s premier List-A tournament. They faced off against each other, and the Indian wrist-spinner managed to dismiss the former England Test captain.
Last month, Kuldeep, having not been part of a single international match on India’s UK tour that comprised eight white-ball games, signed with Yorkshire for his maiden stint in County cricket. His contract expects him to feature in five List A matches, of which he’s played four so far, between July 24 and August 2, and three red-ball County Championship matches in September.
Meanwhile, Stokes retired from international cricket abruptly in June following the conclusion of the home Test series against New Zealand, which England lost 2-1.
Earlier, Stokes had opted out of The Hundred 2026 by not putting his name in the auction. An unexpected retirement from international cricket meant the veteran all-rounder decided to play for his boyhood club Durham in the One-Day Cup.
He smashed 108* and 73* in his first two innings in this competition but then managed only 0 and 12. Kuldeep has been brilliant in all of his four outings so far: he’s taken two wickets in each match and conceded over 40 runs only once.
The duo clashed in the Yorkshire vs Durham encounter on Friday at the Clifton Park Ground, York, after Durham skipper Kasey Aldridge won the toss and elected to bat first.
Video: Kuldeep Yadav Dismisses Ben Stokes In Yorkshire vs Durham One-Day Cup Match
Stokes walked in at No. 4 in the 7th over of Durham’s innings, and Kuldeep was called upon by his captain, Dom Bess, soon after to take out the English legend.
It was a used pitch at the Clifton Park Ground, on which the ball held a bit into the surface, which also offered some seam movement. Stokes was measured in his approach, solidly defending and nudging around looking for quick singles. He aimed to soak up some pressure and ride out the tough phase as the Yorkshire bowlers were on top on an aiding surface.
However, he consumed plenty of balls while the scorecard didn’t move much. When Stokes got out in the 21st over, he’d made only 12 runs and faced 39 deliveries.
In an effort to up the scoring rate, Stokes attempted a reverse-sweep off Kuldeep. It was a straighter and quicker delivery from Kuldeep, who perhaps would have gauged Stokes’ desperation for a boundary.
The England batter aimed to either pierce the gap through the point and short fine leg fielder or send the ball flying over them. But Stokes couldn’t get a proper connection and direction on his shot, and the ball went directly to George Hill, who took a low catch without being required to move much at the point position.
Kuldeep celebrated Stokes’ wicket nonchalantly, while Stokes shook his head as he walked towards the dressing room, knowing he had failed to make a contribution today.
Watch the video of the Stokes vs Kuldeep battle here:
Durham were bowled out for only 165 runs in 48.1 overs. Benjamin Cliff bagged a four-wicket haul, while Kuldeep and Bess claimed a brace each.
The chase was without any surprising events for Yorkshire, who cantered to the target with seven wickets in hand.
Is Kuldeep Yadav part of the Test squad for Sri Lanka?
Kuldeep’s last match for India was the one-off Test vs Afghanistan in mid-June. His next outing is expected to be in mid-August in the Test series against Sri Lanka.
Will Ben Stokes return for the 2027 Ashes?
Meanwhile, Stokes continues to make headlines even after retirement as people in important positions comment on his potential return in next year’s Ashes.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald had said that Stokes could have a ‘fairytale’ comeback in the 2027 Ashes, opining that the England all-rounder “still got a lot of good cricket left in him”.
Now, the managing director of England men’s cricket, Rob Key, has not ruled out a reconsideration by Stokes after the appointment of Stephen Fleming as the Test head coach.
Key told Sky Sports News, “It would be a brilliant story if he does. He hasn’t [indicated a change of heart], but I wouldn’t be surprised. Anything is possible with Ben.”
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