England Test captain Ben Stokes is planning to make his return to the field in May, following a serious training accident that left him with a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries. The incident occurred in February while Stokes was coaching Durham's academy players, and he has since undergone surgery. Stokes expressed gratitude for the positive outcome, stating that the situation could have been much worse if he hadn't turned his head at the right moment. He is now focused on recovering in time 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.
Stokes is expected to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand and has dismissed rumors 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 Meanwhile, England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the IPL due to an injury to his bowling hand, with the severity of the injury still unclear.