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Stokes eyes County Championship comeback next month
England's Test captain Ben Stokes is set to resume playing for Durham on 8 May, marking his first competitive appearance since facial surgery in February.
Injury scare and narrow escape
Stokes described the moment a cricket ball struck his face during a net session with Durham academy players as "pretty scary."
"Just a couple of inches either way and I might not be here doing this interview," he told the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). "I copped one straight in the face. It was a bit of a mess under the cheekbone, but I've got out quite lucky."
The incident required what Stokes called "pretty major facial surgery" on his broken cheekbone, sidelining him until next month.
Return plan and England Test preparations
Stokes, who last played competitively in England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in January, is expected to feature in two County Championship matches before England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand on 4 June.
He may also appear for the England Lions during this period, according to reports.
Reflections on Ashes criticism and leadership
In an interview released by the ECB on Tuesday, Stokes dismissed speculation of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum but acknowledged the need to adapt their approach.
"So much has been said about style and manner-are we going to change or do this? I don't want people to think we all need to be playing this one mode," he said. "Whoever it may be, go out and play how you play."
Stokes admitted that much of the criticism directed at England during the Ashes was justified, including concerns about the team's relationship with alcohol and off-field incidents.
"A lot of it was harsh and unneeded, but when you look at it deep down, you agree with some of it. We have got ourselves to blame for a lot of it."
Ben Stokes
Commitment to England and future outlook
Despite the Ashes setback, Stokes, who turns 35 on the opening day of the New Zealand Test series, said he never considered stepping down.
"It completely and utterly consumed me," he said of his reaction to the defeat. "If I had shut myself away and said 'we will see what happens,' that would have been me subconsciously saying I don't want this."
Stokes, McCullum, and ECB managing director Rob Key retained their positions following a review of the Ashes campaign.
