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Ben Stokes Eyes May Cricket Return After "Lucky" Cheekbone Injury Escape

England captain Ben Stokes is targeting a return to competitive cricket in May after a serious facial injury sustained in training. He revealed the blow was nearly fatal, stating a difference of a couple of inches could have killed him. Stokes, who underwent major surgery, has missed the start of Durham's County Championship season due to his recovery. He plans to play a few games for Durham to prepare for England's home Test series against New Zealand beginning in June.

Key Points: Ben Stokes Targets May Return After Serious Facial Injury

  • Stokes recovering from major facial surgery
  • Targeting return in May for Durham
  • Aims to be ready for England's Test summer
  • Describes injury as a "lucky" escape
  • England face New Zealand in June
2 min read

Ben Stokes eyes competitive cricket return by May this year

England captain Ben Stokes reveals he was nearly killed by a training blow, eyes a competitive cricket return in May ahead of the Test summer.

"Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview. - Ben Stokes"

London, April 16

England skipper Ben Stokes is eyeing a return to competitive cricket in May and spoke about his battle with the injury he sustained on his cheekbone, saying that he was lucky to get out of it and it being "couple of inches one way or the other" could have killed him.

Having copped a blow during a training session in February, Stokes has conceded he was lucky the nature of his injury was not too serious. So far, Stokes has yet to feature in the County Championship for Durham in preparation for the home Test summer starting with the New Zealand series in June.

"Pretty nasty but, funnily, probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest," Stokes said in an interview with the ECB.

"I copped one straight in the face. Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview, if I did not turn my head around."

"All things considered, although I had pretty major facial surgery to sort it out - it was a bit of a mess under here (cheekbone) - I have got out quite lucky. So pretty thankful for that," he continued.

Stokes has missed the beginning of the ongoing County Championship season, delayed owing to his ongoing recovery.

The premier all-rounder however, feels he will be back in action just in time to shape up for England's blockbuster home series, which will feature the ICC World Test Championship series against New Zealand and Pakistan.

"It obviously set everything back about a month, with getting back to where I wanted to be to play at the start of the season for Durham. I just had to sort of quickly go back to the drawing board and put a plan together to get me ready to play a couple of games for Durham before the Test summer starts," he added.

England will next feature in a three-match Test series against New Zealand, beginning June 4 at Lord's.

Having suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of Australia in their last Test series Down Under, England sit seventh in the ongoing WTC Standings.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Scary stuff. Puts things in perspective. Health always comes first, cricket second. Glad he's being cautious with his return.
A
Aditya G
As an Indian fan, I have huge respect for Stokes. He's a warrior. But honestly, England's bigger problem is their batting lineup, not just one player's fitness. They need to sort that out before the WTC.
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Priyanka N
He's so lucky! A couple of inches and it's a different story. Safety gear is so important, even in practice. Get well soon, Stokesy! Can't wait to see him play against NZ.
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Michael C
Major facial surgery is no small thing. Rushing back for a couple of county games seems risky. The ECB should prioritize his long-term health over a few early-season matches.
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Karthik V
True fighter spirit! Reminds me of our own Indian players who've bounced back from injuries. The game is better with competitors like him. All the best for your comeback! 🏏

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