Overview
- Stokes, in an ECB interview on Wednesday, said a ball struck his face in February and that “a couple of inches” either way could have been far worse.
- He required major surgery for a broken cheekbone and said the setback pushed his preparation back by about a month to five weeks.
- He plans a short run of County Championship games in early May to rebuild red-ball rhythm, subject to final specialist clearance.
- England expect him to be fit to lead the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4, which will open their home summer.
- Some outlets report provisional details such as May 8 and May 15 outings for Durham and name the academy batter as Robbie Bowman, though those specifics are less widely confirmed.