England captain Ben Stokes has announced a delay in his comeback to competitive cricket until May because of issues stemming from a cheekbone injury. The 34-year-old all-rounder underwent surgery to mend the fractured cheekbone after being struck by a ball during a training session with Durham’s academy players in early February. Originally planning to return for Durham’s County Championship opening game against Kent this week, Stokes awaits final medical clearance from specialists. It is now anticipated that he may not play until matches against Worcestershire on May 8 and Kent at Beckenham on May 15.
Durham’s head coach, Ryan Campbell, expressed that the injury was a narrow escape from a potentially severe outcome. He highlighted the gravity of the incident, emphasizing how a slight variation in impact could have led to a different, more serious result. Stokes’ absence from the field since the Ashes campaign, where he was hampered by an adductor injury, has been prolonged due to this latest setback. Despite the setbacks, Stokes continues to lead the England team, with coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key retaining their roles.
Reflecting on his leadership amidst challenges, Stokes acknowledged the recent period as the toughest of his tenure. He expressed faith in the coaching staff’s ability to guide the team forward, emphasizing his dedication to preparing diligently for his return to action. Stokes, besides focusing on red-ball cricket, aims to participate in Durham’s One-Day Cup this summer, providing him with an opportunity to feature in limited-overs matches between Test series.
Stokes’ decision to skip The Hundred T20 tournament aligns with his commitment to the One-Day Cup, where he looks to make an impact in the shorter format. Following the upcoming New Zealand Test series, England is scheduled to face Pakistan in a three-match Test series starting on August 19, marking a busy cricketing calendar for Stokes.
