Ben Stokes Reveals He's 'Lucky to Be Alive' After Terrifying Net Session Injury
England's Test captain Ben Stokes has declared himself 'lucky to be alive' after a cricket ball fractured his cheekbone during a net session in February. The incident occurred at Durham's academy, where Stokes was struck directly in the face by a drive from teenager Robbie Bowman, leading to what he described as 'a pretty scary situation'.
Major Surgery and Delayed Return to Cricket
Stokes underwent pretty major facial surgery following the accident, which has significantly delayed his return to county cricket. Initially targeting participation in half of Durham's opening six County Championship fixtures, his plans were revised after a consultation with the surgeon. 'Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview if I didn't turn my head round,' Stokes told the ECB website, emphasising the severity of the impact.
His recovery timeline now sets a return to action for Durham against Worcestershire and Kent in the first half of May. This precedes the first Test against New Zealand on June 4, with a potential appearance for England Lions against South Africa A at Arundel on May 22.
Coaching Insights and Physical Limitations
Durham head coach Ryan Campbell provided further context, noting that Stokes was 'ready to go' initially, aiming for three of the first six games. However, medical specialists have been clear: the injury must fully heal before he can bowl with confidence. Even batting was ruled out due to risks while fielding. 'Unfortunately, it is not to be,' Campbell stated, highlighting the setback from what was a rare opportunity for Stokes to play county cricket post-Ashes.
This injury compounded an earlier adductor issue that forced Stokes out of the final day of England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia, further complicating his preparation.
Mental Toll and Captaincy Commitment
Beyond the physical ordeal, Stokes has opened up about becoming consumed by the Ashes defeat. He admitted to being 'a bit worried initially' because he couldn't stop thinking about the tour and the upcoming Test summer. 'Genuinely, it just completely and utterly consumed me,' he revealed, describing an unprecedented mental state where he'd frequently jot down notes on his iPad.
However, Stokes frames this intense focus positively, asserting it proves his unwavering commitment to the England captaincy. 'The fact that I am so consumed by trying to make sure that we do things in the future to potentially stop a series like Australia happening again – to me that's positive,' he explained, contrasting it with disengagement that would signal a lack of desire.
He insists he never contemplated stepping down, viewing his mental agitation as evidence of being 'proper in this still.' Stokes's reflections underscore a dual battle: recovering from a life-threatening injury while mentally processing a challenging Ashes campaign, all as he prepares for a crucial return to cricket in May.
