England Test captain Ben Stokes has outlined the current domestic red-ball season as a pathway to an England call-up as the national team prepares for a much-anticipated home summer.
Speaking about the County Championship season, Stokes highlighted the opportunities it offers to domestic players across the country.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for a lot of people across the country,” Stokes said.
Reflecting the depth of talent in England cricket, the all-rounder also pointed out that many promising players are emerging through the national set-up.
He further emphasized the strength and potential of England’s current talent pool, describing it as one of the best in recent years.
“Obviously, the Lions were in Australia at the same time as us, so look at some of the players coming through that system at the moment.
“The talent we have in England is unquestionable. The player pool, the talent we have, is as good as it’s been in a very long time,” he added.
Stokes was expected to feature for Durham in the County Championship but is currently recovering from a broken cheekbone and is expected to be back in action by May when he helped out in the nets in February.
“The first six or seven weeks of Championship cricket, I think it’s going to be huge and people should use it as an opportunity to push their case forward as much as they can, and if we come together I think they’ll give themselves the best chance of getting selected,” he said.
The 34-year-old last played for England in January when Australia beat the visitors 4-1 in the Ashes Down Under.
England are currently seventh in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings, having suffered six defeats in ten outings in the ongoing cycle.
Next up at home is a three-match Test series against New Zealand in June. The first match between the two teams starts on June 4 at Lord’s.