Did Stokes Just Overcome a Major Injury with Successful Cheek Surgery?

England Test captain Ben Stokes is not expected to return to play until the home summer, with his next match set against New Zealand on 4 June 2024. Stokes recently underwent successful surgery for a broken cheekbone incurred while coaching at Durham's academy, and while he will not be playing, he will join the England Lions coaching staff for their series against Pakistan Shaheens in the UAE next month.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Ben Stokes, a key player for the England cricket team, is currently sidelined following a facial injury. He underwent surgery after being struck by a ball while coaching young players at Durham's academy. This incident has raised concerns about his readiness for the upcoming cricket season. Despite his injury, Stokes remains involved in cricket, contributing as part of the coaching staff for the England Lions in their upcoming series against Pakistan Shaheens. The focus for many now shifts to the potential impact of his absence on the national team and the upcoming Test series.

Key takeaways

Stokes underwent successful surgery for a broken cheekbone.
He will not return to play until the summer Test series against New Zealand.
Stokes remains engaged with cricket, coaching for England Lions in the UAE.

Timeline: how we got here

Here's a brief timeline of recent events surrounding Ben Stokes:

8 January 2024: Stokes last played in the Ashes series against Australia, concluding with a loss.
Week of 16 October 2023: Stokes suffers a broken cheek during a coaching session at Durham.
24 October 2023: Undergoes successful surgery for his injury.
November 2023: Set to join England Lions as a coach for their series against Pakistan Shaheens.
4 June 2024: England's next Test against New Zealand, marking Stokes' anticipated return.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Stokes has confirmed the success of his surgery via an Instagram post, showing a swollen face but reassuring fans about his recovery. His involvement with the England Lions indicates his commitment to the sport, even during recovery. The exact timeline for his return to full fitness remains unclear.

What was already established

Prior to his injury, Stokes had not played since the conclusion of the Ashes in January. His performance during that series faced scrutiny, and his recent injury has added further challenges for the England team as they prepare for the summer fixtures.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The absence of a high-profile player like Stokes may affect cricket viewership and attendance at matches, especially during the summer Test series. Fans and households will be keen to see how the England team adapts without one of its star players.

Businesses and jobs

Stokes' injury could influence merchandise sales and sponsorship deals, as his presence typically boosts engagement. Additionally, the coaching role he takes with the England Lions highlights ongoing opportunities for development within English cricket, although it may also shift focus to other players to step up in his absence.

Policy and regulation

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) may need to reassess player fitness protocols and support mechanisms to prevent injuries during training sessions, especially for players transitioning into coaching roles. This incident could prompt discussions about policy changes regarding player safety and training practices.

Numbers that matter

34: Age of Ben Stokes, a vital player for England.
4: The number of months since Stokes last played in a Test match.
1: The number of matches Stokes will miss before returning in June.

Definitions and jargon buster

Test Match: A format of cricket played over five days, considered the highest standard of the game.
ECB: England and Wales Cricket Board, the governing body for cricket in England and Wales.
Adductor Injury: An injury affecting the muscles of the inner thigh, often leading to pain and difficulty in movement.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, focus will be on Stokes’ recovery from his surgery. Fans will be keen to monitor his progress and any updates regarding his rehabilitation and fitness levels.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the summer series against New Zealand approaches, attention will turn to how Stokes' absence affects team dynamics and performance. His return could be pivotal for England's strategy and morale.

Signals to watch

Updates on Stokes’ recovery and fitness status from ECB.
Performance of England’s team in the absence of Stokes during the lead-up to the summer series.
Fan engagement and merchandise trends as the season progresses.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed on Stokes' recovery via official cricket channels.
Support local cricket initiatives and youth coaching camps.

Don’t

Speculate on Stokes' replacement without official announcements.
Neglect to follow the developments surrounding the upcoming Test series.

Checklist

Check injury updates on Ben Stokes regularly.
Engage with local cricket clubs and initiatives.
Prepare for the summer Test series by following team announcements.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Stokes has expressed confidence in his recovery, the timeline for his return remains uncertain. Factors such as rehabilitation progress and potential complications from his surgery could affect his ability to play. Additionally, the performance of the England team without him may prompt further evaluations of player fitness and selection strategies.

Bottom line

Ben Stokes' injury and subsequent surgery have placed him out of action until the summer series against New Zealand, which raises questions about the England team's preparation and depth. As fans await his return, the focus turns to the impact on team performance and the broader implications for English cricket's future.

FAQs

When is Ben Stokes expected to return to play?

Ben Stokes is not expected to return to play until the home summer, with his next Test scheduled against New Zealand on 4 June 2024.

What injury did Ben Stokes sustain?

Ben Stokes sustained a broken cheekbone after being hit by a ball while coaching at Durham's academy.

Will Stokes be involved with the England Lions?

Yes, despite his injury, Stokes will be part of the coaching staff for the England Lions' series against Pakistan Shaheens next month.