England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to play for Durham in May after recovering from a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries sustained in a training accident. Stokes, who underwent surgery, is planning to feature in two County Championship matches for Durham and potentially for England Lions against South Africa A. He admitted to having a 'lucky' escape when a cricket ball hit him in the face during a coaching session with Durham's academy players in February. Stokes expressed gratitude for the outcome, stating that the incident could have been much worse if he hadn't turned his head.
The injury initially set back his plans by about a month, but he has since devised a new plan to get ready for the Test summer. Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test against New Zealand at Lord's and has dismissed suggestions of disagreements 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.