Ben Stokes Aims for May Return After Suffering Facial Injuries in Training

England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to cricket in May, following a serious training accident that left him with a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries. Stokes, who was coaching at Durham's academy when the incident occurred, underwent surgery and is now on track to play for Durham in their County Championship matches against Worcestershire and Kent. He is also expected to feature for England Lions against South Africa A later in May, before leading England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand on June 4. Stokes described the incident as 'pretty nasty' but acknowledged that he was 'lucky' to have escaped more severe consequences. He said, 'I copped one straight in the face. Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview, if I didn't turn my head round.' Stokes has been working to get back to full fitness and is confident that he will be ready to lead England in their first Test of the summer. He also addressed speculation about his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum, stating that they have a healthy and successful working relationship, despite some differences of opinion. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still to be determined.