Following a serious training accident, England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to return to cricket in May, with plans to play for Durham in the County Championship. Stokes suffered a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries when he was hit by a cricket ball while coaching Durham's academy players in February.
He underwent surgery and is now recovering, with the goal of playing against Worcestershire on May 8 and Kent on May 15, 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 acknowledged that the injury set back his preparations by about a month but is now focused on getting ready for the Test summer, which begins with a series against New Zealand on June 4.
Stokes also addressed rumors of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, emphasizing that differences of opinion are a natural and healthy part of their working relationship. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to a hand injury, with the severity and potential impact on his participation in England's summer schedule still to be determined.