‘I might not be here’ – Stokes on facial injury

England’s cricket captain Ben Stokes has revealed he considers himself fortunate after suffering a serious facial injury in February. The incident occurred during a net session with academy players at Durham, and the all-rounder described the ordeal as “pretty scary.” He will be sidelined until May, requiring significant facial surgery for a fractured cheekbone.

“I copped one straight in the face. Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview if I didn’t turn my head round,” Stokes said in an ECB interview. “It was a bit of a mess under here [the cheekbone]. I’ve got out quite lucky. Thankful still here and everything’s all right.”

Stokes, who will make his comeback for Durham in the County Championship against Worcestershire on 8 May, has not competed since the conclusion of England’s 4-1 Ashes loss in January. The first Test of the summer against New Zealand is scheduled for 4 June, and Stokes aims to be ready for that.

In the ECB interview, Stokes addressed concerns about his relationship with coach Brendon McCullum. While he dismissed talk of a rift, he emphasized the need for a “slightly different way” in their approach. He argued that players should not all adopt the same style, highlighting that some criticism of England during the Ashes was justified.

The coaching duo, appointed at the start of 2022, initially saw improved results through a more relaxed atmosphere and aggressive strategy. However, the regime faced scrutiny in Australia, where the team struggled with poor performances, off-field issues, and lack of preparation. Stokes acknowledged the shift in focus, stating that the emphasis is now on “everything we do is to win,” with a relentless approach to training and behavior.

Stokes also discussed the team’s one-dimensional playing style, particularly their tendency to lose wickets with attacking shots. He cited the Perth Test as a key moment when opportunities were wasted. “So much has been said about style and manner—do we change or keep it?” he questioned. “I don’t want people to think we all need to be playing this one mode. Whoever it may be, go out and play how you play. The version of yourself that got you into the position to [represent] England in the first place should be the version you carry on doing. That is a pretty clear message—you do you.”

The Ashes criticism also targeted the squad’s alcohol consumption, especially during a mid-series trip to Noosa. Additional scrutiny followed after the tour, with Harry Brook’s altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand last year drawing attention. Stokes admitted some of the criticism was “harsh and unneeded,” but acknowledged its validity. “A lot of it was almost put forward in a way that was a bit extreme,” he noted. “But when you look at it deeply, deeply, deeply, you agree with some of it.”

Despite the backlash, Stokes, McCullum, and managing director Rob Key retained their positions following an ECB review. The 35-year-old, who turns 35 on the opening day of the New Zealand Test, said he has no plans to retire or step down. “It completely and utterly consumed me,” he reflected. “I feel like I would be able to switch off for half an hour and then get my iPad out and start making notes. If I got back and shut myself away, didn’t pay any interest, and said ‘we will see what happens—I will let other people make decisions,’ that would be me subconsciously saying I don’t want this.”