England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to return to cricket in May after recovering from a 'lucky' escape when he was hit in the face by a cricket ball during a training session. Stokes suffered a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries in the incident, which occurred while he was coaching Durham's academy players in February. Following surgery, Stokes is set 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 described the incident as 'pretty nasty' but expressed gratitude that the outcome was not worse.
He admitted that the setback had pushed back his plans by about a month but was now focused on getting ready 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 dismissed suggestions of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, saying that differences of opinion are a natural and healthy part of any 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still to be determined.