- England captain Ben Stokes will miss the first month of the county season as he recovers from a broken cheekbone, cuts, and bruising sustained in a training accident.
- Stokes was hit by a ball in the nets last month, requiring surgery, and will now miss the first four County Championship matches.
- He is expected to return in May, playing against Worcestershire and Kent, to prepare for England's Test series against New Zealand.
- Durham coach Ryan Campbell described the injury as "so, so much worse than you'd think" and noted Stokes' determination to return stronger after the Ashes defeat.
- Stokes also plans to participate in the One-Day Cup to build fitness ahead of the summer's second Test assignment against Pakistan.
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