Ben Stokes: I'll Never Skip Helmet Again After Serious Facial Injury
Ben Stokes vows to always wear a helmet after facial injury from cricket ball, questions no-helmet tactic against spinners.
England’s Test Captain Ben Stokes suffered a severe facial injury earlier this month while observing a net session for his county side, Durham. The ball struck his face, causing damage to his cheekbone, nose, and eye, prompting immediate medical attention and subsequent surgery.
Stokes shared a hospital photo on Instagram following the accident, captioning it: “You should see the state of the cricket ball.” He later confirmed that the surgery was successful, showing the bruising around his right eye and a small incision on his cheek, reassuring fans about his recovery.
The all-rounder has since vowed to wear a helmet at all times while batting, including during practice, highlighting the serious dangers posed by cricket balls. He also questioned the common practice of facing spinners without helmets, emphasizing the need for player safety.
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Currently, Stokes is not involved in England’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, having stepped away from white-ball cricket after the 2023 World Cup. England has recorded two wins in three group-stage matches of the ongoing tournament.
Looking ahead, Stokes is expected to return to international cricket in June for England’s first Test against New Zealand. Meanwhile, he may also participate in domestic fixtures for Durham in the County Championship as he continues his recovery and rehabilitation.
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