England all-rounder Ben Stokes will be available to play as a specialist batsman for Durham in their Twenty20 Blast quarter-final at home to Sussex, the county said Thursday.

Stokes was initially ruled out of Friday’s match at Durham’s Chester-le-Street headquarters after suffering minor discomfort in his left knee during England’s 203-run defeat by India in the third Test at Trent Bridge which concluded Wednesday.

Stokes was recalled by England at Trent Bridge just days after his acquittal on a charge of affray following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September last year and on Thursday he retained his place when the squad was announced for the fourth Test at Southampton starting on August 30.

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Shortly after the Southampton squad was unveiled, Durham confirmed Stokes would be fit to face Sussex after all – but only in the roles of left-handed batsman and fielder rather than lively right-arm pace bowler.

“Ben Stokes has been made available by the England and Wales Cricket Board for tomorrow night’s Vitality Blast quarter-final against Sussex Sharks,” said a statement on Durham’s website.

“The all-rounder will add significant firepower as a batsman only as the Jets aim for a place at finals day.

“Stokes was initially ruled out of contention due to a left knee niggle but has been re-assessed – and the England medical team, in conjunction with Durham, have passed him fit to play as a specialist batsman.”