DURHAM'S star all-rounder Ben Stokes has been sent to the United States for a second operation on his badly-dislocated finger.

After making his England one-day debut at the end of last season, he has been ruled out of any involvement with national squads this winter.

Durham coach Geoff Cook said: "He had the operation on Monday and he should just about be ready for the start of next season.

"He probably came back a bit too soon, which shows how keen he was to play, but watching him in the field it was obvious he was still struggling a bit. And he couldn't grip the ball well enough to bowl.

"The ECB medical people decided there were two options. One was rest and manipulation, which might have meant he could play for England Lions after Christmas. The other, after further expert advice, was the operation and they decided the best man for the job was in the USA."

Stokes began last season by taking six for 68 in the opening match at the Rose Bowl and hit the first five balls of an over from left-arm spinner Liam Dawson for six on his way to 135 not out.

He was out for six weeks in mid-season after suffering his injury in the field on the day he completed an innings of 185 at home to Lancashire - his third century in nine games. Durham beat the eventual champions by an innings and 125 runs.

A decision on Mark Davies' future has been delayed pending the outcome of a second ankle operation.

The 31-year-old seamer, who played no first team cricket last season and only six games in 2009, still has a year left on his contract.

"He's coming in tomorrow for a chat," said Cook. "The operation seems to have gone well and we should know for sure around Christmas whether it has been a success."

Cook does not envisage changing the captaincy next season, with Phil Mustard continuing as four-day skipper and Dale Benkenstein retaining the one-day reins.

There was speculation that Paul Collingwood might take over after signing a three-year contract, but his Twenty20 commitments mean he will again miss a chunk of the English season. He will spend part of the winter playing in Australia's Big Bash tournament and has an Indian Premier League contract for April.

"Paul just wants to play cricket and enjoy it," said Cook. "The performances of our two captains last season were excellent and Dale is happy to continue with the arrangement."