Ben Stokes Shares Post-Surgery Photo After Cricket Accident

London: England Test captain Ben Stokes has reassured fans that his facial surgery was successful following a training accident. The 34-year-old suffered a serious injury after being struck in the face by a cricket ball during a nets session, requiring hospital treatment.

Posting from hospital, Stokes shared a photo showing post-surgery swelling, writing, "May not look like it but the surgery was a success," highlighting both the severity of the blow and his positive recovery.

Earlier, Stokes had posted images of a heavily bruised face, including a blackened eye, cuts across his cheek and lip, and a bandaged nose, adding humour by commenting: "You should see the state of the cricket ball." Reports suggest Stokes was standing beside the nets at the time and not actively batting or bowling when the ball struck.

The injury comes at a delicate moment in Stokes' career. England recently suffered a 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia, and while Stokes remains committed to leading the Test side, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reviewing team strategy and leadership.

Stokes has not played white-ball cricket for England since the 2023 World Cup and is missing the ongoing T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. He is expected to return for Durham in county cricket ahead of England's home Test opener against New Zealand at Lord's on June 4, which coincides with his 35th birthday.