Ben Stokes Suffers Eye Injury, Pledges to Never Bat Without Helmet Again

Ben Stokes vowed to always wear a helmet after a serious eye injury and surgery, warning that cricket balls can cause severe damage.

England Test captain Ben Stokes has vowed to wear a helmet whenever he bats, in matches and during practice sessions. The 34-year-old shared his experience on Instagram after suffering a facial injury that required surgery earlier this week. A cricket ball hit him in the face earlier this month, leaving his right eye badly swollen and bruised. He also had cuts on the cheek and lip, while doctors treated a nose injury.

Stokes posted photos showing the damage and later confirmed the operation was successful. He admitted he often skipped helmets during throwdowns and against spin. After the injury, he pledged that he would now treat helmets as important protection.

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“I never understood the no helmet when spin is bowling, tbf I used to have throw downs with no helmet. After my accident last week and getting seriously lucky with the outcome I’ll never not wear a helmet, cricket balls do serious damage,” the skipper wrote on X.

I never understood the no helmet when spin is bowling , tbf I used to have throw downs with no helmet 🤦‍♂️

After my accident last week and getting seriously lucky with the outcome I’ll never not wear a helmet , cricket balls do serious damage !!!!

— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) February 15, 2026

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes has returned to the United Kingdom following England’s disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia. England lost the five-match series 1-4. The England and Wales Cricket Board has begun an independent review.

Stokes has not played since the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He is expected to lead England in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.