Ben Stokes Aims for May Return Following Facial Injury in Training

England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to cricket in May after a 'lucky' escape from a serious facial injury sustained during a training accident. Stokes was hit in the face by a cricket ball while coaching Durham's academy players, resulting in a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries. Following surgery, Stokes is on track to play for Durham in two County Championship matches in May, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A. He is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's. Stokes has also dismissed suggestions that he and head coach Brendon McCullum are not aligned, stating that differences of opinion are necessary for a healthy and successful sporting relationship. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.