Stokes Aims for May Return Following Lucky Escape in Training

Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to cricket in May, following a 'lucky' escape when he was hit in the face by a cricket ball during a training session. The England Test captain suffered a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries in the accident, which occurred while he was coaching Durham's academy players in February. After undergoing surgery, Stokes is now set to play for Durham in two County Championship matches in May, against Worcestershire and Kent, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A. Stokes described the incident as 'pretty nasty' but expressed gratitude that the outcome was not worse. He said, 'I copped one straight in the face. Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview, if I didn't turn my head round.' Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's, as they look to bounce back from their 4-1 Ashes drubbing over the winter. The Test captain has also dismissed any suggestion that he and head coach Brendon McCullum are not aligned, saying that differences of opinion are integral to healthy and successful sporting relationships. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury not yet clear.