Ben Stokes says he feels “quite lucky” to be alive after a training scare left him with a broken cheekbone, describing how close he came to a much more severe outcome during a practice session at Durham in February. The England all-rounder was hit straight on the face by a cricket ball while working with academy players, an incident he called “pretty nasty” even though it ultimately ended with a manageable result compared to worst-case possibilities.
Key takeaways
- Stokes says the accident could have been far more serious, with the margin for difference described as just “a couple of inches.”
- The injury required significant facial surgery after he was struck during net practice at Durham in February.
- His recovery set back his seasonal plans, pushing back his return to action by more than a month.
- He expects to play County Championship matches before leading England against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4.
- Stokes played down any suggestion of a rift with Brendon McCullum, arguing that leadership styles can look different while remaining aligned.
How the training incident unfolded
Stokes recounted the moment of impact from that February net session, explaining that he “copped one straight in the face.” He stressed that a small shift in where the ball landed could have changed everything, saying that just “a couple of inches one way or the other” he might not be in a position to speak during an interview.
The 34-year-old then detailed the physical toll, admitting that the damage beneath his cheekbone was significant and required major facial surgery. Even with the seriousness of the blow, he maintained that the final outcome was the best possible version of a bad situation, adding that, “all things considered,” he “got out quite lucky.”
Recovery timeline and England’s next steps
Stokes said the injury disrupted his preparations for the season, delaying his return by over a month. He described the period afterwards as one where he had to “go back to the drawing board,” rebuilding his fitness approach to prepare properly for England’s demanding Test summer.
With his recovery nearing completion, Stokes is expected to return through the County Championship in the lead-up to international duty. The next major milestone is England’s Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, scheduled for June 4, where he is set to take on a leadership role.
Reflecting on the episode, he called it a “pretty scary situation,” while pointing to the fact that he is still here and everything is now “all right.”
Leadership talk: Stokes on McCullum and England’s direction
Beyond the injury, Stokes also addressed questions about his relationship with Brendon McCullum after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. He rejected claims of tension, saying the idea of a rift was a “massive overstatement.”
Stokes argued that differences in approach are normal when two leaders operate in key roles. He acknowledged that their working dynamic “may look a little bit different” moving forward, but insisted that the underlying objective remains the same: building a team capable of winning.
As England prepare for a crucial home campaign, Stokes’ comments—shaped by both the physical challenge of his recovery and the pressures of leading a side—underline a renewed emphasis on resilience, adaptability, and long-term success.
