Ben Stokes was hit in the face by a cricket ball in February, according to multiple reports. He required major facial surgery on a broken cheekbone, the same sources said. This has ruled him out of action until May, according to major media.
Details of the incident reveal that Stokes was struck while working in the nets with academy players at his county Durham, according to major media. He reported for net practice on Saturday with those left out of the pre-season fixture against Durham University, the same source reported. Specifically, he was struck in the face by a drive from teenager Robbie Bowman at an academy net session, major media said.
Medical assessment and recovery timeline show that specialists have been clear that Stokes' cheekbone needs to heal before he can have the confidence to run in and bowl at batters, according to major media. His target of playing in half of Durham's opening six County Championship fixtures has been eradicated by specialists, the same source reported. He was pencilled in to face Kent at Chester-le-Street next Friday until a fortnight ago when a meeting with his surgeon revised expectations to two matches in May, major media said.
Playing as a batsman was a no-go for Stokes because of the threat of being struck in the face while fielding, according to major media. Stokes is set to return for Durham in the County Championship at Worcestershire on 8 May, according to major media. Stokes limped out of the 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia with an adductor injury, multiple reports indicate.
Reflecting on England's Ashes performance and team culture, Stokes said a lot of the criticism of England during the Ashes was warranted, according to major media. He said his own reaction to the Ashes series defeat proved to himself he is committed to England, the same source reported. He added that the focus in 2022 was about bringing enjoyment back, but now it is about everything they do to win, being relentless in training and behaviour, major media said.
On coaching approach and player development, Stokes dismissed talk of a rift with coach Brendon McCullum but said they must work in a slightly different way, according to major media. He said he does not want every player to play in the same style, the same source reported. Updates on other Durham players show that Durham have no expectations of Mark Wood playing for them this season, according to major media.
Wood was advised in January by knee consultant Simon Ball to take his time in rehabilitation after discomfort surfaced in his 38th Test cap in Perth on November 21, the same source reported. Matthew Potts has had no appearance restrictions placed upon him by the ECB in the build-up, according to major media.