BEN STOKES has signed a new, three-year contract extension with Durham Cricket.

The 27-year-old has committed to stay at Emirates Riverside until 2021 after the conclusion of another busy international summer.

“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.”

Stokes has developed into one of the world’s best all-rounders across all formats and is an integral part of the national setup.

The big-hitting left-hander has played over 50 Tests for England, averaging 33.89 and taking 127 wickets, and he has joined up with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.

Durham Cricket’s chief executive, Tim Bostock, said: “Ben is one of the finest players in world cricket and we’re delighted he has chosen to carry on his county career with Durham.

“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.

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