Ben Stokes’ Gruesome Facial Injury: ‘You Should See The Cricket Ball’

LONDON (Azat TV) – England Test cricket captain Ben Stokes revealed a significant facial injury on Thursday, sharing a gruesome photo on social media after being struck by a cricket ball during a training incident. The unexpected update comes as the 34-year-old all-rounder continues to recover from a groin injury sustained during the recent Ashes series and prepares for a new coaching role with the England Lions.

The photo, posted to Stokes’ Instagram story on Thursday afternoon, depicted a battered and bruised face, featuring a black eye on his right eye, cuts on his right cheek and below his lip, and a tissue protruding from his right nostril. Despite the severity of the injury, Stokes captioned the image light-heartedly, stating, “You should see the state of the cricket ball,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. Sources close to the England camp confirmed to Daily Mail Sport that the incident occurred during a training session where Stokes was standing at the side of the nets, not actively batting.

Ben Stokes’ Recovery and Future Assignments

Stokes is currently in the UK rehabilitating a groin injury picked up during the fifth Test of the Ashes series in Australia last month. His recovery schedule remains on track, with his next playing appearance anticipated for the domestic season in April, where he is expected to feature for Durham in the County Championship. This will serve as preparation for England’s upcoming summer Test series against New Zealand and Pakistan.

In addition to his playing commitments, it was announced last week that Stokes, alongside former England all-rounder Moeen Ali, will join the England Lions coaching staff. He is set to fly out next week to the United Arab Emirates, where he will continue his injury rehabilitation while assisting head coach Andrew Flintoff for a three-match T20 series and five 50-over matches against Pakistan Shaheens. This dual role highlights the multifaceted nature of his current engagement with English cricket, balancing personal recovery with leadership development.

Ashes Aftermath and Captaincy Commitment

The facial injury and his ongoing recovery unfold against the backdrop of a challenging period for English cricket, following a dismal 4-1 Ashes series defeat to Australia last month. The outcome has led to significant scrutiny over the team’s performance and leadership, with an ongoing England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) review into the series. England coach Brendon McCullum has also weighed in, claiming some of the fallout has been “out of order,” according to The Independent.

Despite this, Ben Stokes has publicly affirmed his desire to continue as Test captain, working alongside McCullum. Speaking towards the end of the Ashes defeat, Stokes emphasized his belief that he and McCullum are the right individuals to steer the team forward, stating, “I can’t see there being someone else who could take this team from where we are now to even bigger heights.” He added that both captain and coach are reportedly keen to identify strategies for improvement after a year where results and consistency “haven’t quite been there” compared to their initial period in charge.

Ben Stokes’ public revelation of his facial injury, coupled with his characteristic lightheartedness, underscores his resilience amidst a period of personal recovery and professional scrutiny. The incident, while minor in the context of his broader career, serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands of elite cricket, even during rehabilitation. It also inadvertently refocuses attention on the England captain’s ongoing commitment to the sport, both as a player returning from injury and in a new coaching capacity, as the team navigates the aftermath of a disappointing Ashes tour and plans for future success.