Ben Stokes Aims for May Return After Narrowly Escaping Serious Injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to play for Durham in May after recovering from a 'lucky' escape when a cricket ball hit him in the face during training. The incident occurred in February while Stokes was coaching Durham's academy players, resulting in a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries. Following surgery, Stokes is set to play for Durham against Worcestershire on May 8 and Kent on May 15, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A in late May. Stokes expressed gratitude for the outcome, stating, 'Pretty nasty, but probably the best result of a bad situation.' He acknowledged that the incident set back his training by about a month but is now focused on preparing for the Test summer. Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's. He also addressed speculation about his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum, emphasizing that differences of opinion are essential for a healthy and successful 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.