England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to cricket in May after a 'lucky' escape from a serious training accident. Stokes suffered a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries when he was struck by a cricket ball while coaching Durham's academy players. Despite the setback, he is on track to play for Durham in two County Championship matches and potentially feature for England Lions against South Africa A.
Stokes underwent surgery and is grateful to have avoided more severe consequences. 'It was a pretty nasty incident, but I consider myself fortunate to have escaped with relatively minor injuries,' he said. 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. The Test captain believes that disagreements 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Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.