England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to cricket in May, following a freak training accident that left him with a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries. The incident occurred in February while Stokes was coaching Durham's academy players, and he has since undergone surgery. Despite the setback, Stokes is on track to play for Durham in two County Championship matches in May, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A. Stokes described the incident as 'pretty nasty' but expressed gratitude that the outcome was not worse.
He is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's, and has dismissed suggestions of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, emphasizing the importance of debate and discussion in their working relationship.