Ben Stokes says he hopes to squeeze in no more than three first-class matches – two for Durham and, maybe, one for England Lions – before England’s Test series against New Zealand starts at Lord’s on 4 June.
The all-rounder, still sporting the odd bruise from February’s “freak incident” in the Chester-le-Street nets, had surgery after being struck in the face by a firm drive from a Durham academy batter. He had pencilled in an April comeback after the groin strain picked up at the SCG, yet real life intervened and plans shifted back a month.
“I copped one straight in the face,” Stokes recalled in a chat recorded for the ECB’s media team. “[It was] pretty nasty, but funnily [enough], probably the best result of a bad situation, to be honest.”
He accepted the outcome could have been far worse. “A couple of inches one way or the other and I might not be here doing this interview if I didn’t turn my head around. All things considered, although I had pretty major facial surgery to sort it out… I’ve got quite lucky, so I’m pretty thankful for that.” A pause, then: “It was a pretty scary situation to be in, but thankfully I’m still here and everything’s alright.”
The blow, he reckons, has delayed his return by “about a month [to] five weeks”. Right now the plan is:
• Durham v Worcestershire, 8-11 May
• Durham v Kent, 15-18 May
• England Lions v South Africa A, Arundel, 22-25 May (only if the body feels up to it)
Whether he turns out for the Lions will hinge on “how I feel” and, more specifically, the overs he can manage for Durham. “If I can get through the loads that I want to get through and feel pretty good out in the middle, then hopefully I’ll be good to go for the summer,” he said.
Stokes has spent recent weeks around the Durham dressing-room, offering throw-downs and the odd word to younger bowlers, while quietly absorbing the inevitable chatter about England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat. He remains supportive of head coach Brendon McCullum yet accepts the side’s shortcomings in Australia.
According to the captain, England had to “take a few bullets” because large parts of their showing were “unacceptable”. In his words: “We’ve got ourselves to blame for a lot of it.”
Durham, for their part, appear relaxed about their skipper’s carefully managed return. The county are keen for his overs but, equally, accept that England – and a busy Test summer – sit top of the agenda.
No drama, no huge statements, just a cricketer hoping the body co-operates. If it does, he’ll walk out at Lord’s early next month, visor in place, ready to steer England into another home campaign. If not, at least the roadmap is clear.
