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

England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to return to cricket in May after recovering from a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries sustained in a training accident. Stokes, who underwent surgery following the incident, is planning to play for Durham in two County Championship matches and potentially feature for England Lions against South Africa A. The 32-year-old admitted he had a 'lucky' escape, saying the outcome could have been much worse if he hadn't turned his head at the last moment. Stokes 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, stating that disagreements are a natural part 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.