Ben Stokes Aims for May Return After Narrowly Escaping Serious Injury in Training

England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to return to action in May after a 'lucky' escape from a serious facial injury sustained during a training accident. Stokes, who suffered a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries, is targeting two County Championship matches with Durham and a potential appearance for England Lions against South Africa A. The 31-year-old underwent surgery and is now nearing a return to full fitness, despite the setback initially putting his participation in the early part of the season in doubt. Stokes recalled the incident, saying: 'It was pretty nasty, but probably the best result of a bad situation. I copped one straight in the face - just a couple of inches one way or the other and I might not be here now.' Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's, and has dismissed suggestions of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, saying: 'We agree 95 per cent of the time, but for the five per cent where we have different views, we talk it through and end up getting to where we want to be.' Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still to be determined.