England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to return to action in May after a 'lucky' escape from a serious facial injury sustained during a training accident. Stokes, who suffered a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries in February, is planning to play for Durham in two County Championship matches. He also hopes to feature for England Lions against South Africa A later in May, ahead of the first Test of the summer against New Zealand on June 4. The 31-year-old underwent surgery and is now recovering well, despite admitting the incident was 'pretty nasty' and that he was fortunate to avoid more severe consequences.
Stokes has dismissed any suggestion of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, saying that differences of opinion are a natural and necessary part of 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still to be determined.