Ben Stokes Aims for May Return After Narrowly Escaping Serious Injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to make his return to cricket in May after a freak training accident left him with a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries. The incident occurred while Stokes was coaching Durham's academy players in February, and he has since undergone surgery. Despite the setback, Stokes plans to play for Durham in two County Championship matches in May and potentially feature for England Lions against South Africa A later that month. Stokes reflected on the incident, saying it was a 'lucky' escape and that he is 'thankful' to have avoided more severe consequences. He also addressed rumors of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, stating that disagreements are a natural part of any successful sporting relationship. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to a hand injury, with the severity of the injury still unclear.