England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to cricket in May, following a serious facial injury sustained during a training session. Stokes was hit in the face by a cricket ball while coaching Durham's academy players in February, resulting in a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries. He underwent surgery and is now on track to play for Durham in two County Championship matches, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A.
Stokes described the incident as 'pretty nasty' but expressed gratitude for the outcome, saying it could have been much worse if he hadn't turned his head at the right moment. The injury has set back his preparations by about a month, but Stokes is confident he will be ready to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand on June 4. He also dismissed suggestions of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, stating that their differences in opinion are a normal and healthy part of their working 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Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still to be determined.