Stokes impresses at the Bridge on return

AND BASHIR SPINS WEB ON WAY TO NEW RECORD

- By Mike Walters

BEN STOKES took two wickets in 11 deliveries in an impressive Test cameo that accelerated England’s charge towards victory at Trent Bridge.

In his first game this year, the irrepressible England captain sent down only 20 balls against Zimbabwe but he announced his return from hamstring surgery with a golden peep show.

Team-mate Shoaib Bashir said: “Whenever he gets the ball in his hand you know something is going to happen and it’s important to keep your eyes on the cricket.”

Stokes, below, only entered the attack because off-spinner Bashir — who took 3-62 in Zimbabwe's 265 all out before they were asked to follow on — was off the field receiving treatment to a cut on his ring finger after spilling a sharp return catch.