Stokes out of action until May due to broken cheekbone

After having surgery on a broken cheekbone last month, England's Test captain Ben Stokes isn't expected to be available for Durham's county season's first month. Stokes was struck in the face by a Durham academy player while helping in the nets in early February. He then worked as a coach for the England Lions' white-ball series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates, but he hasn't been cleared to play again. Durham had originally pencilled him in for their season opener against Kent next week, but Ryan Campbell, the club's head coach, said that Stokes was unlikely to play before their fifth game, against Worcestershire starting on May 8. Campbell stated at Durham's preseason media day, "[The incident] could have been horrific." "So, a great deal worse than you think. It could have been different if it had hit him in the eye in a different way by a few centimeters. "The ball was hit so hard. It's just fortunate that he got away with it. Since sustaining a groin injury during the fifth Ashes Test in January, Stokes has not participated in any competitive games. Before England returns to action on June 4 with a three-match series against New Zealand, he may now only play in two games for Durham, against Worcestershire and Kent in May. The ECB confirmed on Monday that it would keep Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum in charge of the Test team despite their 4-1 loss in Australia. Campbell stated, "He has been training so hard to be ready." "He has a lot to prove. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know the Ashes didn't go so well and he is a proud man who wants England to be the best team in the world. "He is working on getting right and ready to go as a professional."