Ben Stokes Reveals He Feels 'Quite Lucky' to Be Alive After Terrifying Training Incident
England's star all-rounder Ben Stokes has opened up about a harrowing training accident that left him with a broken cheekbone, admitting he feels "quite lucky" to be alive. The incident, which occurred in February while he was coaching academy players at Durham, saw Stokes struck flush on the face by a cricket ball during a net session.
Reflecting on the moment, Stokes described it as "pretty nasty" but, in hindsight, fortunate. "I copped one straight in the face," he said. "Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview." The 34-year-old underwent major facial surgery following the blow, revealing that the damage underneath the cheekbone was severe.
Close Call and Recovery Process
Despite the seriousness of the injury, Stokes maintained that he had escaped a worst-case scenario. "All things considered... I've got out quite lucky. So pretty thankful for that," he added, calling it the "best result of a bad situation." The incident disrupted his preparations for the season, delaying his return to action by over a month.
Stokes acknowledged the setback forced him to "go back to the drawing board" and rebuild his fitness plan ahead of England's busy Test summer. Now nearing full recovery, he is expected to feature in County Championship matches before leading England against New Zealand at Lord's on June 4. "It was a pretty scary situation... thankfully still here and everything's all right," he said.
Addressing Leadership Speculation
Beyond his physical recovery, Stokes also addressed speculation around his working relationship with coach Brendon McCullum following England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia. Dismissing talk of a rift as a "massive overstatement," Stokes emphasised that differences in approach are natural in leadership roles.
While their dynamic may "look a little bit different" going forward, he reaffirmed their shared goal of building a winning team. As England reset ahead of a crucial home season, Stokes' perspective—shaped by both physical adversity and leadership challenges—highlights a renewed focus on resilience, adaptability, and long-term success.
Key Points from Stokes' Revelation:
- The training accident occurred in February during a net session at Durham
- Stokes suffered a broken cheekbone requiring major facial surgery
- He described the incident as a close call that could have been fatal
- Recovery delayed his return to cricket by over a month
- Stokes dismissed speculation of a rift with coach Brendon McCullum
- He is expected to return for County Championship matches before England's Test against New Zealand
The cricketer's candid admission underscores the inherent risks in professional sports and the importance of safety measures even during routine training sessions. His gratitude for surviving what could have been a fatal accident adds a sobering perspective to the physical demands of international cricket.
