- England Test captain Ben Stokes sustained a broken cheekbone and other facial injuries in February after being struck by a cricket ball during a Durham academy training session.
- Stokes underwent facial surgery and described the incident as "pretty scary”, expressing that he was “quite lucky” to be alive.
- The injury caused a "month, five weeks" setback to his pre-season preparations, but he is now on track to play two County Championship matches next month.
- He is anticipated to lead England in their first Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord's, commencing on 4 June.
- Stokes acknowledged that some criticism of England's Ashes performance was warranted, but he believes the team is now in a stronger position and is focused on performing for England.
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