Stokes strikes on eighth ball of comeback Test

After a three-month rehabilitation, Stokes returned to competitive cricket in a warm-up at Lord's. He used the away movement on his eighth delivery to dismiss the opposing opener; the radar logged speeds in the 137-141 km/h range.

The team doctor said Stokes is being managed under a staged load protocol to keep him available for the summer Tests. The standout figure was the consistency of pace despite spending most of the previous three Test series on the sidelines.

England will play series against India and New Zealand this summer. Stokes's comeback eases the captaincy pressure and adds options in the middle order; the staff plans to cap his over count to limit the injury risk.