Ben Stokes Recovers After Serious Facial Injury In Durham Training Session

England Test captain Ben Stokes has said he feels “quite lucky” to be alive after suffering a serious facial injury when he was struck by a cricket ball during a net session earlier this year. The incident occurred while he was coaching academy players at his county side Durham, leaving him with a broken cheekbone and requiring surgery.

Stokes described the moment as a potentially life-threatening accident, explaining that the impact of the ball could have had far more severe consequences depending on how it struck him. He said he “copped one straight in the face,” adding that even a slight difference in angle could have resulted in a much worse outcome.

The England captain underwent major facial surgery following the injury and has spent several weeks recovering. He acknowledged that the setback disrupted his preparations for the season with Durham and delayed his return to competitive cricket by around a month to five weeks.

Also Read: Ben Stokes Says Last Three Months Were Toughest Period Of Captaincy

Despite the seriousness of the injury, Stokes said he is now in the final stages of his recovery and is working towards returning to full match fitness. He is expected to play a couple of County Championship matches for Durham before the start of England’s international summer schedule.

Stokes also expressed gratitude that the situation was not more severe, calling it a “scary experience” but adding that he considers himself fortunate given the circumstances. Medical staff and his recovery plan helped him steadily return to training after the operation. He is expected to be fit to lead England in their opening Test of the home season against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4, as the team looks to rebound from their heavy Ashes defeat in Australia.

Also Read: Ben Stokes Targets England Revival After Testing Captaincy Period