England captain Ben Stokes admits he got 'lucky' after 'pretty scary' facial injury

Stokes has undergone surgery to repair a broken cheekbone after being struck in the face while being involved in training with the Durham academy.

The 34-year-old had initially planned to play a block of English County Championship fixtures for Durham in April and May after recovering from a groin injury.

Stokes has not played any competitive cricket since England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia in January.

In a video released by the ECB, Stokes said: "I copped one straight in the face. (It was) pretty nasty, but funnily (enough), probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest.

"A couple of inches one way or the other and I might not be here doing this interview if I didn't turn my head around.

"All things considered, although I had pretty major facial surgery to sort it out⦠I've got quite lucky, so I'm pretty thankful for that."

He added: "It was a pretty scary situation to be in, but thankfully I'm still here and everything's alright."

Stokes is looking to play at least two first-class games ahead of the home Test series against New Zealand that is set to start at Lord's on 4 June.

The England skipper will line up for Durham against Worcestershire (8 May) and Kent (15 May) and will also consider playing for the Lions in a first-class match against South Africa A at Arundel that starts on 22 May.

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