Ryan Campbell praises Ben McKinney’s 140 and Ben Stokes during county cricket day four coverage

Durham coach Ryan Campbell praised a young performer’s Test potential, applauded Ben McKinney’s 140 and spoke warmly of Ben Stokes during day four of county cricket coverage on 23 August 2026, amid fixtures including Hampshire v Yorkshire and Somerset v Essex.

Campbell’s comments were given during live reporting on day four of the county programme on 23 August 2026. The day's lineup referenced included Hampshire v Yorkshire and Somerset v Essex. In his remarks he singled out a young player he believes can play at Test level and addressed Ben McKinney’s innings of 140. Campbell made the comments in his capacity as Durham’s coach.

“If there’s anyone around the country who doesn’t think that boy can play Test cricket they are absolutely crazy because that pressure he brought along with his ability to nip the ball both ways and never miss the spot is outstanding,” Campbell said.

On McKinney’s contribution, Campbell added: “That’s probably Ben’s best innings that he’s played for Durham because we were none for one, the ball was nipping all over the shop and he showed his ability to knuckle down and be disciplined outside the off stump but if you gave him anything he was ruthless. “There’s another young kid who’s out there for England at some point, I’ve now doubt that he’ll be coming.”

Campbell also spoke at length about Ben Stokes, saying: “I’m a cricket fan and it was a sad day when he decided to retire. When he said ‘I’m going to go back and play for Durham’ my ears sparked and the way he’s bounded into the room and he’s dragging every young fellow with him and trying to make them better it’s hard not to just go ‘wow!’ “In this game both with the bat and ball it’s the Ben Stokes we know and he is the recruit of the year for us.

“and now I guess I’ve got to try and work out a way how I’m going to contract him for next year!”