Ben Stokes Eyes May Return to Cricket After Suffering Facial Injuries in Training

England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to make a comeback in May after recovering from a training accident that left him with a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries. The incident occurred in February when Stokes was hit in the face by a cricket ball while coaching Durham's academy players. He has undergone surgery and is now focused on playing for Durham in their County Championship matches against Worcestershire and Kent. Stokes also hopes to feature for England Lions against South Africa A later in May, before leading England in the first Test of the summer against New Zealand on June 4. In an interview with the ECB, Stokes described the incident as 'pretty nasty' but expressed gratitude for the positive outcome, saying he 'got out quite lucky.' The England captain is expected to lead his team in their first Test of the summer and has dismissed any suggestion of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, emphasizing the importance of debate and discussion in a healthy 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.