England captain Ben Stokes is sidelined for one month after an injury in a net session.
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Ben Stokes Recovery From Facial Injury
Ben Stokes will miss the first month of the 2026 County Championship season as he continues to recover from a significant facial injury.
The England Test captain underwent surgery after sustaining a broken cheekbone and multiple lacerations during a training session in February.
The injury occurred at Chester-le-Street when the all-rounder was struck by a ball in the nets.
While the surgical procedure was successful, specialists have not yet cleared the player to return to competitive action for Durham. Consequently, he will miss the Division Two opener against Kent and subsequent fixtures in April.
The 34-year-old is expected to return to the field in May for matches against Worcestershire and Kent.
These appearances are intended to provide match fitness ahead of England’s first Test of the summer against New Zealand, which begins on June 4. Ben Stokes has not participated in a professional match since the conclusion of the Ashes in January 2026.
According to cricket news from the Durham coaching staff, the player’s recovery schedule includes several specific milestones:
- Missing the initial County Championship matches against Gloucestershire, Lancashire, and Middlesex.
- Potential availability for away fixtures starting May 8.
- Participation in the One Day Cup following his decision to opt out of The Hundred.
- Preparation for the late-summer Test series against Pakistan starting August 19.
The facial injury follows a challenging winter period where the captain averaged 18.40 with the bat during a 4-1 series defeat in Australia.
In addition to the cheekbone fracture, the player also sustained a groin injury during the final Ashes Test. Medical staff continues to monitor his progress to ensure a full return to international duties.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Stokes is sidelined for the first month of the domestic season due to a broken cheekbone.
- The England captain aims for a May return to prepare for the Test series against New Zealand.
- Recovery plans include playing in the One Day Cup rather than participating in The Hundred.
Quiz
| Question |
| What specific injury did Ben Stokes suffer during the net session in February? A) Fractured jaw B) Broken cheekbone C) Concussion D) Broken nose |
| Against which team is England scheduled to play their first Test of the summer? A) Australia B) Pakistan C) New Zealand D) India |
| Which domestic competition has Ben Stokes opted to play in to build fitness? A) The Hundred B) One Day Cup C) T20 Blast D) IPL |