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 training. Stokes suffered a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries in the accident, which occurred while he was coaching Durham's academy players in February.
He underwent surgery and is now set to play for Durham in two County Championship matches in May, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A. Stokes said the incident was 'pretty nasty' but he was 'thankful' to have escaped more serious harm.
He is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's. Stokes also dismissed suggestions that he and head coach Brendon McCullum are not aligned, saying that differences of opinion are necessary for a healthy and 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury not yet clear.