Ben Stokes Aims for May Return After Narrowly Escaping Serious Injury in Training

England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to make his return to cricket in May, following a 'lucky' escape from a serious facial injury sustained during a training accident in February. Stokes, who suffered a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries, underwent surgery and is now eyeing a return to action with Durham in the County Championship matches against Worcestershire and Kent. He also hopes to feature for England Lions against South Africa A, ahead of the first Test of the summer against New Zealand on June 4. Stokes admitted that the incident was 'pretty nasty' but expressed gratitude for the positive outcome, saying, 'I've got out quite lucky.' The England captain is expected to lead his team in the first Test of the summer and has dismissed suggestions of a rift 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.