Stokes has successful surgery on broken cheek

England Test captain Ben Stokes has undergone successful surgery to repair a broken cheekbone sustained while coaching Durham’s academy last week. The 34-year-old all-rounder was struck by a ball hit by a batter as he stood beside the practice nets, and on Tuesday posted a swollen-face hospital photograph on Instagram with the caption: “May not look like it but the surgery was a success.”

The injury, which occurred while Stokes was working with the county’s youngsters, has ruled him out of competitive action until at least the home summer. England’s next Test assignment is the opening match of a three-match series against New Zealand on 4 June, and Stokes is not expected to be available for selection before then.

It remains unclear when he will be able to resume batting, bowling or fielding, though he has been confirmed as part of the England Lions coaching staff for their upcoming series against Pakistan Shaheens in the United Arab Emirates next month.

Stokes has not played since the final day of the Ashes in Sydney on 8 January, when he damaged an adductor muscle during England’s 4-1 series defeat. That loss prompted widespread scrutiny of the team’s performances, preparation methods and dressing-room culture.