England Test captain Ben Stokes is on track to return to cricket in May after a 'lucky' escape from a serious facial injury sustained during a training accident. Stokes, who suffered a broken right cheekbone and other facial injuries, has undergone surgery and is targeting two County Championship matches with Durham as well as a potential appearance for England Lions. In an interview, Stokes described the incident as 'pretty nasty' but expressed gratitude for the positive outcome.
He 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to a hand injury, with the severity and potential impact on his participation in England's summer schedule still to be determined.