Overview
- Durham coach Ryan Campbell said Saturday that Stokes will miss the season opener and likely the first four County Championship games as he awaits medical clearance.
- The club has pencilled in Worcestershire on May 8 and Kent at Beckenham on May 15 for his first matches back if specialists approve him to play.
- Stokes suffered a broken cheekbone in a February nets accident at Chester-le-Street and underwent surgery he later described as successful.
- Campbell said the blow could have been horrific, noting the ball was struck with such force that the cheekbone caved to protect his eye.
- With England’s Test series against New Zealand starting June 4 at Lord’s, Stokes may get only two red-ball outings, and he plans to use the One-Day Cup after skipping The Hundred to build fitness.