England Captain Ben Stokes Suffers Facial Injury, Undergoes Surgery Post-Accident
England Captain Ben Stokes undergoes surgery after being hit in the face by a cricket ball during training.
England Test Cricket Captain Ben Stokes has undergone successful surgery following a facial injury sustained when he was struck by a cricket ball. The 34-year-old all-rounder was injured last week while coaching young players at Durham's academy during an indoor nets session. Reports indicate he was standing beside the nets when a ball, hit by a batter, struck him on the cheek, resulting in a broken cheekbone along with significant swelling and bruising around his right eye, a graze on his cheek and lip, and nasal trauma.
Stokes initially shared a graphic photo of the injury on Instagram, humorously captioning it "You should see the state of the cricket ball" accompanied by a laughing emoji. The image showed his eye heavily swollen and bruised, highlighting the severity of the blow. The incident occurred as Stokes, who plays for Durham, was working with academy youngsters, underscoring the unpredictable risks even in training environments. Such freak accidents, though rare for experienced players, can occur when fielding or coaching close to the action without full protective gear.
On February 10, 2026, Stokes posted an update from the hospital, sharing another photo of his still-bruised face with the light-hearted caption: "May not look like it but the surgery was a success." Multiple reports, including from BBC Sport and other cricket outlets, confirm the procedure addressed the broken cheek and related damage, describing it as successful. The all-rounder maintained his characteristic positivity despite the visible discomfort, providing reassurance to fans about his recovery.
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As England's white-ball captain and a key figure in Test cricket, Stokes' availability is closely watched, particularly with upcoming commitments. He is not expected to play any matches in the immediate future and will miss participation in ongoing events like the T20 World Cup 2026. Instead, he is slated to join the England Lions' coaching staff for their series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates next month. England's next Test series is scheduled for the home summer, starting against New Zealand in June, giving Stokes time to recover fully.
The injury adds to recent setbacks for Stokes, who has dealt with other physical issues including an adductor problem during the previous Ashes series. Cricket authorities and medical experts emphasize the importance of protective equipment in training, even for coaches. While the surgery marks a positive step, Stokes' return to full fitness will depend on rehabilitation progress, with no specific timeline yet provided beyond his anticipated availability for the summer international season. Fans and teammates have rallied around the resilient leader, wishing him a swift recovery.
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