Ben Stokes Aims for May Return After Narrowly Escaping Serious Injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his comeback in May, following a 'fortunate' escape from a serious injury sustained during a training session. Stokes suffered a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries after being hit by a cricket ball while coaching Durham's academy players. Despite undergoing surgery, Stokes is on track to play for Durham in May and potentially feature for England Lions later that month. 'It was pretty nasty, but I think I got the best possible outcome from a bad situation,' Stokes said in an interview. Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand and has dismissed suggestions of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to a hand injury, with the severity of the injury still unclear.