England Test captain Ben Stokes will have to wait a little longer before returning to competitive cricket, as his comeback has been delayed until May following surgery on a broken cheekbone.
Stokes was initially expected to feature for Durham in their County Championship opener against Kent next week. However, Durham head coach Ryan Campbell confirmed that the all-rounder is still awaiting final clearance from specialists after the facial injury he suffered in early February.
Specialists Yet to Clear Stokes
The 34-year-old was struck on the face by a ball during a net session with Durham’s academy players. The impact resulted in a fractured cheekbone and required surgery a week later.
Campbell revealed that the injury could have been far more serious.
“The incident could have been horrific. A couple of centimetres either way and it might have hit his eye,” he said, underlining the severity of the blow.
As things stand, Stokes is now likely to make his return in Durham’s County Championship fixtures against Worcestershire from May 8, or the reverse game against Kent starting May 15 at Beckenham.
Limited Red-Ball Preparation Ahead of Tests
If Stokes does return only in May, those matches may be his only red-ball outings before England begin their home Test summer against New Zealand national cricket team on June 4.
This could be a concern for England, especially after the team’s disappointing Ashes campaign earlier this year. Stokes last played during the final stages of the Ashes, where he was also managing an adductor injury.
Despite England’s 4-1 series defeat, the current leadership group, including Stokes, coach Brendon McCullum, and managing director Rob Key, has been retained.
Stokes Keen to Bounce Back
Campbell stressed that Stokes is highly motivated to return stronger.
“He has been training so hard to be ready. He has a lot to prove,” Campbell said, adding that the England skipper remains determined to help the side bounce back after a poor Ashes showing.
The coach also revealed that Stokes plans to turn out for Durham in the One-Day Cup later this summer, a competition he has not played in for the county since 2014.
With Stokes currently out of England’s white-ball plans and having opted out of The Hundred, the 50-over tournament could provide him valuable game time between Test assignments.
England’s Test series against New Zealand concludes in late June, before they host Pakistan national cricket team for a three-match series beginning on August 19.
This delayed return means England will be hoping their captain regains full fitness in time for a crucial home season.
Discussion about this post