Ben Stokes sidelined as broken cheekbone delays county cricket start

England captain Ben Stokes is still on the road to recovery after a broken cheekbone sustained in a training session with academy players last month. He underwent surgery soon after the injury and has not played since England’s Ashes defeat in Australia in January. The setback means he will be unavailable for the start of Durham’s County Championship campaign next week, including the opener against Kent.

Durham’s plans for the early part of the season now hinge on Stokes’ rehabilitation, with the squad hopeful he can be back in action for matches against Worcestershire in early May. If that timeline holds, he could return in time to help Durham push for a strong finish to the county schedule while England maps out a busy summer slate.

Stokes’ absence comes into sharper focus as England prepare for a busy summer, including the first Test against New Zealand scheduled for June 4. The broader leadership setup has already been addressed after a recent review into the Ashes tour, with the management team retaining Rob Key as managing director and Brendon McCullum as head coach, alongside Stokes in the captaincy role. The news underscores how crucial Stokes remains to England’s plans and the potential ripple effects on both county and international teams as the season approaches.

While fans and teammates will be eager for his return, the priority remains his long-term health and form. In the meantime, Durham and England supporters will watch closely for any updates on his progress and the evolving timetable for his comeback, hoping for a swift and safe return to peak fitness. The summer fixtures promise plenty of cricket ahead, with the nation looking to Stokes to lead from the front when he’s back in the fray.

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