BEN STOKES has committed his long-term future to Durham by signing a new three-year contract with the club.

Stokes, who is currently in Australia preparing for the start of the second Ashes Test, has agreed an extension that ties him to the Riverside until at least the end of 2024 season.

The 30-year-old has established himself as one of the best players in the world since breaking into Durham’s first team, enjoying considerable success on both the domestic and international stages.

He made his Durham County Championship debut against Essex in 2010, and has played 64 red ball games for the club, scoring 3,611 first-class runs with a top score of 185 against Lancashire.

He has made 62 T20 appearances in the Vitality Blast for Durham, with a highest score of 90 not out against Yorkshire in 2018.

He is an integral part of the England set-up in all forms of the game, and has starred in Ashes victories and a one-day World Cup win during his time on the international stage.

He made his senior England debut against Ireland in 2011, and has made 72 Test appearances for England, scoring 4,650 runs at an average of 36.6 and taking 163 wickets.

His most recent Test outing saw him take on Australia in the first Test at the Gabba, an appearance that marked his return to competitive cricket after a break to help his mental health and enable him to complete his recovery from a hand injury.

“I am delighted to commit to a further three years with Durham,” said Stokes, who was raised in Cumbria before joining Durham’s academy. “I have had some fantastic memories playing for the club over the years and I look forward to experiencing more of this in the future.”

While Stokes’ appearances at the Riverside will remain limited because of his international and global T20 commitments, his retention on a new deal nevertheless represents a notable coup for Durham.

“Ben is one of the finest players in the world and while we may not see him as much as we would like his influence around the club remains huge,” said Durham director of cricket Marcus North.

“It’s fantastic to see Ben back fit and well following his time away from the game and now back playing for England in the Ashes. We are extremely happy that Ben has agreed his future to Durham for a further three years.”