England cricket captain Ben Stokes has opened up about a terrifying incident in February that nearly ended his life, revealing he feels "lucky" to be alive after being struck in the face by a cricket ball.
The all-rounder was hit while practicing in the nets with academy players at his county Durham, suffering a broken cheekbone that required what he described as "pretty major facial surgery." The injury has kept him sidelined from competitive play until May.
"It was a pretty scary situation," Stokes told the England and Wales Cricket Board website. "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, who hasn't played since England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in January, described the aftermath as "a bit of a mess under here [the cheekbone]" but expressed gratitude that the outcome wasn't worse.
"I've got out quite lucky. Thankfully still here and everything's all right."
The captain is scheduled to make his return for Durham in the County Championship at Worcestershire on May 8, with England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand beginning on June 4.
In the same interview, Stokes addressed his team's approach following their Ashes disappointment, emphasizing that while the initial focus when he and coach Brendon McCullum took over was "bringing enjoyment back," the current priority has shifted.
"Now it is about everything we do is to win, being relentless in what we do in our training and behavior," he stated.
Stokes pushed back against criticism that England's playing style had become too one-dimensional, particularly regarding batting approaches that led to repeated dismissals during key moments in Australia.
"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."
The captain acknowledged that much of the criticism England received during the Ashes was warranted, and said his own reaction to the series defeat confirmed his continued commitment to leading the national side forward.