Thursday 18 August 2016 12:50, UK
Ben Stokes’ return from injury for the NatWest T20 Finals day on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, will be a huge boost for Durham, according to England and club team-mate Mark Wood.
Stokes was ruled out of the final two Tests in the drawn series against Pakistan with a calf strain, but was named in England's one-day squad for the upcoming ODI's.
Wood has had two ankle operations since last playing for his country in October's Dubai Test against Pakistan, but the England pair are fit and available to face Yorkshire Vikings on Saturday.
"It's a huge boost," said Wood, on having Stokes back in the Durham side. "He's a big time player, he's a match winner and he's great with the lads in the dressing room.
"He brings that 'X-factor' that everyone wants to see in a finals day and I hope he comes off because if he produces half of what he can I think we'll go well."
The England duo could face a Vikings team featuring Joe Root, Gary Ballance and Jonny Bairstow, but despite being close with his international team-mates, Wood confirmed their focus will be on club duty.
"You'll say hello before the game but I think you've got to put friendships aside," he said.
"We're good friends a lot of the Yorkshire and Durham lads, it's a local derby for our fans so we'll be looking to try and put on a good show."
He added: "It's been a hugely frustrating time, mentally more than anything else," Wood said. "I've not played but I'm just hoping I can do myself justice this time around.
"England have done pretty well in one-day cricket over the past few months. Hopefully we can just not put too much pressure on ourselves and play with that freedom."
