Durham confirm England all-rounder Ben Stokes out for six months

Durham have confirmed that Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the rest of England's winter programme after a third operation in five months on a complex dislocation of his finger. The 20-year-old, who first suffered the injury in May and then had a recurrence during the one-day series against India in September, has returned from Indianapolis, and is not expected to play again for around six months. "I am naturally disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to be considered for selection for England this winter," Stokes said. "My priority now will be to work hard on my rehabilitation over the next six months and make sure I am fully fit and available to start the season with Durham next April."