Ben Stokes Aims for May Return After Narrowly Escaping Serious Injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes is set to return to cricket in May after a 'lucky' escape from a serious training accident. Stokes was hit in the face by a cricket ball while coaching Durham's academy players in February, 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 and potentially feature for England Lions against South Africa A. Stokes reflected on the incident, saying it was 'pretty nasty' but he was 'thankful' to have escaped more severe consequences. The accident set back his preparations by about a month, but he has been working to get back to full fitness. Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's. He also addressed rumors of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, stating that they have a healthy and successful working relationship despite occasional differences of opinion. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.