England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his comeback in two County Championship matches with Durham in May, following a 'lucky' escape from a serious facial injury sustained during a training accident. The incident, which occurred in February while Stokes was coaching Durham's academy players, resulted in a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries.
After undergoing 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 in late May. This will be ahead of the first Test of the summer against New Zealand on June 4.
Stokes reflected on the training incident, saying, 'It was pretty nasty, but probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest.' He added, 'I had pretty major facial surgery to sort it out - it was a bit of a mess under here (cheekbone) - I've got out quite lucky.' The injury initially set back his plans by about a month, forcing him to quickly devise a new plan to get ready for the start of the season with Durham. Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's, as they seek to bounce back from their 4-1 Ashes defeat. He has dismissed suggestions of any disagreement with head coach Brendon McCullum, emphasizing the importance of debate and discussion in 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Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.