Durham Cricket announced on Friday that England all-rounder Ben Stokes has agreed terms for a three-year contract extension with the club.

The 27-year-old has committed to stay at Emirates Riverside until 2021 after the conclusion of another busy international summer.

Stokes has cemented himself as one of the world’s best all-rounders across all formats and is an integral part of the national setup.

The big-hitting left-hander has now played over 50 Tests for England, averaging 33.89 and taking 127 wickets, and he is set to join up with the Rajasthan Royals soon for the 2019 Indian Premier League.

‘I love playing for Durham and am delighted to be signing a new long-term deal at the County where I learnt my trade,’ said Stokes.

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‘It’s an exciting time at Durham, especially with the rebrand of the club this winter and having a new coach, chief executive and sporting director in charge.

‘I’m very passionate about helping Durham compete at the top level and if I am given any opportunities to play this season, I will give everything to the club.’

‘Ben is one of the finest players in world cricket and we’re delighted he has chosen to carry on his county career with Durham,’ said Tim Bostock, the chief executive of Durham Cricket.

‘He is now in the prime of his career, and while we may not see him as much as we would like over the next year, his influence remains huge around the club.

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‘Ben is a shining example of what our young players can achieve with hard work and dedication to go alongside talent.’

Stokes made his Test debut in the Ashes tour of 2013-14, scoring his maiden century in the third Test at Perth. He later starred against New Zealand in May 2015 by scoring the quickest century at Lord’s in 113 years.

But his sensational innings on the tour of South Africa propelled him into the international limelight and confirmed his status as one of the world’s finest players.

Photo: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images