Following a serious accident during a training session where he was struck in the face by a cricket ball, England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to make a comeback in May. The incident, which occurred while Stokes was coaching Durham's academy players, resulted in a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries. Stokes underwent surgery and is now planning to play for Durham in two County Championship matches, against Worcestershire on May 8 and Kent on May 15, before potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A later that month. This will be ahead of England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand, scheduled for June 4.
Stokes reflected on the incident, stating, 'It was pretty nasty, but considering the circumstances, it was probably the best outcome I could have hoped for.' He added that the accident set back his preparations by about a month but expressed gratitude for the positive outcome. Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer and has dismissed any notion of disagreement with head coach Brendon McCullum, emphasizing the importance of healthy debate in their working 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still to be determined.