Ben Stokes to Miss Durham Return After Surgery; To Return For New Zealand Tests

Ben Stokes’ return to action faces a delay as recovery from cheekbone surgery keeps him out of Durham’s season opener.

Ben Stokes continues to recover from a serious facial injury that has pushed back his anticipated return to competitive cricket. The England captain suffered a broken cheekbone after being struck by a ball during a net session with Durham academy players in early February, requiring surgery shortly after.

Although initially expected to feature in Durham County Cricket Club’s season opener against Kent County Cricket Club, Stokes will now miss the fixture as he awaits medical clearance from specialists.

Durham head coach Ryan Campbell highlighted the severity of the incident, saying, “[The incident] could have been horrific. So, so much worse than what you think,” and further added, “A couple of centimetres a different way it hits him in the eye and it could have been different.” He also emphasized the impact of the blow, stating, “The ball was hit so hard. We are just lucky he got away with it.”

Ben Stokes Targeting Return Ahead of England Summer

Stokes is now likely to return later in the County Championship, with potential appearances lined up against Worcestershire County Cricket Club from May 8 and in the reverse fixture against Kent at Beckenham from May 15.

If these timelines hold, those matches could serve as his only red-ball outings before England’s crucial Test series against New Zealand national cricket team, beginning June 4.

The all-rounder has been out of action since the end of the Ashes, where he battled through an adductor injury during the final stages of the series in Sydney. Despite England’s disappointing 4-1 defeat, Stokes has retained his role as captain, with head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key also continuing in their positions.

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Determined Comeback and Future Plans

Despite the setbacks, Stokes remains focused on regaining full fitness and returning stronger. Campbell praised his commitment, stating, “He has been training so hard to be ready,” and added, “He has a lot to prove. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know the Ashes didn’t go so well and he is a proud man who wants England to be the best team in the world.”

He further noted, “He, as a professional, is working at getting right and ready to go.”

In addition to red-ball cricket, Stokes is also expected to feature in the domestic One-Day Cup later this summer. Having opted out of The Hundred and not currently part of England’s white-ball setup, the 50-over tournament could offer valuable match practice.

Stokes last played in the format during the 2023 World Cup and hasn’t represented Durham in the competition since 2014. His return across formats will be closely watched as England prepares for a packed Test schedule, including a home series against Pakistan national cricket team starting August 19.