Ben Stokes Out of Early County Matches
Ben Stokes will not play for Durham in their opening matches after undergoing surgery for a broken cheekbone. The 34-year-old sustained the injury in February while training with Durham’s academy players.
Coach Ryan Campbell confirmed Stokes had been scheduled for Durham’s season opener against Kent but is still awaiting specialist clearance.
Expected Return in May
Campbell expects Stokes to return for Durham’s fixtures against Worcestershire on 8 May and the reverse fixture against Kent at Beckenham on 15 May. These could be his only red-ball appearances before England’s first Test against New Zealand on 4 June.
“The incident could have been far worse,” Campbell said. “If the ball had hit him a few centimeters differently, it could have struck his eye. We’re lucky he came through safely.”
Recovering After a Tough Ashes Series
Stokes has not played since England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat, where he also suffered an adductor injury on the penultimate day in Sydney. Despite the challenges, he remains England’s captain, with Brendon McCullum as coach and Rob Key as managing director.
Stokes described the past three months as “the hardest period” of his captaincy but remains committed to helping England improve. Campbell praised his determination: “He’s training hard, focused on getting back to his best, and wants England to be the top team in the world.”
One-Day Cup Plans and Limited-Over Cricket
Stokes also plans to feature in Durham’s One-Day Cup this summer. Since opting out of The Hundred and not being selected for England’s current white-ball squads, the competition will give him valuable match practice before England’s Test series.
He has not played in the 50-over format since the 2023 World Cup in India and last represented Durham in this format in 2014. The summer fixtures will bridge his return from injury and prepare him for England’s upcoming series.
Looking Ahead
With Durham and England matches approaching, Stokes is focused on recovery and performance. His return in May will be crucial for both his county and England ahead of the summer Test series against New Zealand and Pakistan.
