England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to cricket in May after a freak training accident left him with a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries. The incident, which occurred while Stokes was coaching at Durham's academy, was described as a 'lucky escape' by the player, who described the injury as 'pretty nasty' but acknowledged that the outcome could have been far worse. Following surgery, Stokes is now on track to play for Durham in two County Championship matches in May, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A. Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand and has dismissed suggestions of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, saying that differences of opinion are a natural and necessary 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Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still to be determined.