England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his comeback in two County Championship matches with Durham in May, after narrowly escaping serious injury when a cricket ball struck him in the face during a training session. The accident, which occurred in February while Stokes was coaching Durham's academy players, resulted in a broken right cheekbone and additional facial injuries. Following surgery, Stokes is on track to play for Durham against Worcestershire on May 8 and against Kent on May 15, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A later that month, ahead of the first Test of the summer against New Zealand on June 4. In an interview with the ECB, Stokes reflected on the incident, saying, 'It was pretty nasty, but, funnily, probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest.' Stokes added that the accident had set back his preparations by about a month but expressed gratitude for the relatively positive outcome.
He is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's, as the team seeks to bounce back from their 4-1 Ashes defeat over the winter. Stokes also addressed speculation about his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum, emphasizing the importance of debate and discussion in a healthy sporting environment.
Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.