Ben Stokes to Miss Season Opener Due to Facial Injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes is expected to be sidelined for the first month of the County Championship season with Durham as he recovers from a recent facial surgery. The 34-year-old all-rounder suffered a broken cheekbone, severe cuts, and bruising after being hit by a ball during a net session at Chester-le-Street in February. Despite considering the operation a success, Stokes' hopes of playing in Durham's Division Two opener against Kent have been dashed. Durham coach Ryan Campbell stated that the team is waiting for specialists to clear Stokes, who is also likely to miss games against Gloucestershire, Lancashire, and Middlesex. Stokes may return to action in May for fixtures against Worcestershire and Kent, ahead of England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's starting June 4. Campbell noted that Stokes was initially set to play the first game but must wait for clearance from specialists. The injury was severe, and Campbell expressed gratitude that it was not worse, saying, 'The ball was hit so hard, and we are just lucky he got away with it.' Stokes had a challenging winter, averaging only 18.40 with the bat as England lost 4-1 in The Ashes, and also suffered a groin injury in the final Test. He was retained as captain despite the difficult tour and is expected to come back strong. Campbell believes Stokes has a lot to prove and will train hard to regain his form as one of the best all-rounders in the world. Stokes will play for Durham in the Metro Bank One Day Cup after opting out of The Hundred, as he aims to build fitness ahead of England's Test series against Pakistan starting August 19.