Ben Stokes Says He ‘Wouldn’t Be Here For Interview’ As England Star Recalls Gruesome Injury To Face

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England Test captain Ben Stokes has admitted that an injury at the wrong spot could have ended his career for once and for all. The star all-rounder, who recently suffered a gruesome face injury, claimed that he would not have been in a position to do the interview had it occurred in a sensitive area.

What injury did England Test captain Ben Stokes suffer?

The Durham all-rounder had shared a selfie via his Instagram story in the first week of February as he was seen with a swollen black eye alongside a deep cut on his cheek and a bloody nose. The incident had reportedly occurred during an indoor practice session in Durham and he was standing only on the side. The seam-bowling all-rounder did not seem to catch the ball flying towards him and copped a blow to the right side of his face.

Speaking to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Stokes stated:

“It was a pretty scary situation. 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.”

What did Ben Stokes say about the Bazball philosophy moving forward?

With Bazball proving to be England’s undoing on numerous occasions, the veteran cricketer suggested that flexibility will be crucial, claiming:

“So much has been said about style and manner – are we going to change or do this? I don’t want people to think we all need to be playing this one mode. Whoever it may be, go out and play how you play. The version of yourself that got you into the position to (represent) England in the first place should be the version you carry on doing. That is a pretty clear message – you do you.”

Stokes is likely to play at least three county matches, including featuring in a game for the England Lions ahead of the summer begins on June 4th with the Test series against New Zealand.