Ben Stokes Aims for May Return After Narrowly Escaping Serious Injury

England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to cricket in May, following a fortunate 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 undergoing surgery, Stokes is on track to play for Durham in their County Championship matches against Worcestershire and Kent, as well as potentially featuring for England Lions against South Africa A. The England captain described the incident as 'pretty nasty' but acknowledged it could have been much worse. 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, emphasizing the importance of debate and discussion in their working relationship. Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to a hand injury, with the severity of the injury still to be determined.