'I might not be here' - Stokes on being hit in face by ball

'I might not be here' - Stokes on facial injuryImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ben Stokes is expected to play two matches for Durham before England's first Test of the summer and could also feature for England LionsByMatthew HenryBBC Sport JournalistPublished12 minutes ago1 CommentsEngland captain Ben Stokes said he is "lucky" and "might not be here" had things been slightly different when he was hit in the face by a cricket ball in February.The all-rounder was struck while working in the nets with academy players at his county Durham.He required what he described as "pretty major facial surgery" on a broken cheekbone, which has ruled him out of action until May."It was a pretty scary situation," Stokes told the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) website."I copped one straight in the face. Just a couple of inches one way or the other, I might not be here doing this interview if I didn't turn my head round."It was a bit of a mess under here [the cheekbone]. I've got out quite lucky."Thankfully still here and everything's all right."Image source, Instagram/@stokesyImage caption, England's first Test of the summer against New Zealand starts on 4 JuneStokes has not played competitively since the end of England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in January. He said he is set to return for Durham in the County Championship at Worcestershire on 8 May.In a section of the ECB interview released on Tuesday, Stokes dismissed talk of a rift with coach Brendon McCullum but said they must work in a "slightly different way".In the full interview, Stokes said he does not want every player to play in the same style; a lot of the criticism of England during the Ashes was warranted; and his own reaction to the series defeat proved to himself he is committed to England.Stokes on playing style, Ashes and his future Stokes and McCullum were appointed at the start of the 2022 and init...