Regardless of a conflict with the opening day of this yr’s Hundred competitors, the prospect of seeing Stokes in motion for the primary time since his retirement from the worldwide scene on the finish of final month meant lots of extra eyeballs have been on the motion on the County Floor as the previous England captain took to the sector.
He despatched down 9 moderately financial overs however failed to choose up a wicket in his 0-38 as Andersson’s ton acquired the Falcons to 256-9.
With Andersson and Brooke Visitor collectively, hopes of a complete in extra of 300 have been excessive however Visitor’s departure for 48 started a gradual stream of wickets as Andersson in the end ran out of companions.
Batting at 4, Stokes got here out with 24 on the board after Aitchison’s preliminary burst had eliminated each openers.
After a measured begin, the 35-year-old moved via the gears, earlier than exhibiting the primary indicators of cramp as he neared his half-century, which got here up together with his fifth 4 in 71 balls.
Within the midst of repeated bouts of remedy from the physio, Stokes added 74 with Rhodes, 66 with Ackermann (28), 52 with Robinson (23) and 41 with captain Kasey Aldridge (23) to interrupt the again of the chase with an innings that confirmed the character synonymous with a lot of his knocks for England.
