![\"\u2018I](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-130284095,imgsize-37010,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/ben-stokes.jpg\" "\\"Ben")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nBen Stokes has revealed he feels \u201cquite lucky\u201d to be alive after a terrifying training incident left him with a broken cheekbone, underlining just how close he came to a far more serious outcome. The all-rounder was struck flush on the face by a cricket ball during a net session while coaching academy players at Durham in February, an accident he now describes as \u201cpretty nasty\u201d but, in hindsight, fortunate.\u201cI copped one straight in the face,\u201d Stokes said, reflecting on the moment. \u201cJust a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview.\u201d The 34-year-old underwent major facial surgery after the blow, admitting the damage underneath the cheekbone was severe. Yet, despite the seriousness of the injury, Stokes maintained that he had escaped a worst-case scenario. \u201cAll things considered\u2026 I\u2019ve got out quite lucky. So pretty thankful for that,\u201d he added, calling it the \u201cbest result of a bad situation.\u201dRoad to recovery and renewed focus ahead of Tests<\/span>The incident disrupted his preparations for the season, delaying his return to action by over a month. Stokes acknowledged the setback forced him to \u201cgo back to the drawing board\u201d and rebuild his fitness plan ahead of England\u2019s busy Test summer. Now nearing full recovery, he is expected to feature in County Championship matches before leading England against New Zealand at Lord\u2019s on June 4. \u201cIt was a pretty scary situation\u2026 thankfully still here and everything\u2019s all right,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes (AP Photo)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Beyond his injury, Stokes also addressed speculation around his working relationship with Brendon McCullum<\/a> following England\u2019s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. Dismissing talk of a rift as a \u201cmassive overstatement,\u201d Stokes emphasised that differences in approach are natural in leadership roles. While their dynamic may \u201clook a little bit different\u201d going forward, he reaffirmed their shared goal of building a winning team.<\/p>\n Poll<\/p>\n What do you think is the biggest challenge for Stokes after his recovery?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n As England reset ahead of a crucial home season, Stokes\u2019 perspective \u2014 shaped by both physical adversity and leadership challenges \u2014 highlights a renewed focus on resilience, adaptability, and long-term success.<\/div>\n![\"Brendon](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-130284005\/brendon-mccullum-and-ben-stokes.jpg\" "\\"Brendon")
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