England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make a comeback in May, following a 'lucky' escape from a serious facial injury sustained during a training accident. The incident occurred in February while Stokes was coaching academy players at Durham, resulting in a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries. After undergoing surgery, Stokes is now on track to play for Durham in two County Championship matches in May, against Worcestershire and Kent, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A.
Stokes reflected on the incident, stating that it was 'pretty nasty' but he feels fortunate to have escaped more severe consequences. The injury initially set back his training by about a month, but Stokes has since devised a plan to get back on track. He is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's.
Stokes also addressed rumors of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, emphasizing that differences in opinion are a natural and necessary aspect 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.