Published: 11 Feb 2026, 01:59 pm
England Test captain Ben Stokes has successfully undergone surgery following a severe facial injury sustained from a cricket ball. The 34-year-old all-rounder confirmed the procedure himself via social media, offering fans an update on his recovery.
Last week, Stokes shared an Instagram post showing the extent of the injury. In the photograph, his swollen eye, cuts on his cheek and lips, and a bandaged nose were clearly visible. Displaying his characteristic sense of humour, he captioned the post: “You should see the state of the cricket ball,” accompanied by a laughing emoji.
On Tuesday, Stokes provided another update from the hospital, sharing a picture and reassuring fans: “It may not look like it, but the surgery was successful.”
The injury comes shortly after England’s disappointing 4-1 defeat to Australia in the Ashes series. Following the loss, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has initiated a review into the team’s performance, particularly focusing on leadership and strategies in red-ball cricket. Despite the setback, Stokes has made it clear that he intends to continue leading England’s Test side.
Currently, Stokes is not part of England’s white-ball squads and is absent from the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. His immediate return to cricket is expected through the County Championship, representing Durham, assuming full recovery. England’s Test season will officially commence on 4 June at Lord’s against New Zealand, coinciding with Stokes’ 35th birthday.
The all-rounder’s resilience and dedication have been widely praised, with cricket pundits highlighting his leadership qualities and match-winning potential. Stokes’ return is highly anticipated, especially as England seeks to rebuild momentum following a challenging Ashes series.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Ben Stokes |
| Age | 34 |
| Role | All-rounder, Test captain |
| Injury | Facial injury from cricket ball |
| Surgery | Successfully completed |
| Last Appearance | Ashes 2023 (vs Australia) |
| Current Status | Not in white-ball squads; recovering |
| Upcoming Matches | County Championship (Durham), Test vs New Zealand, 4 June 2026 |
| Notable Facts | 35th birthday coincides with England’s first home Test of the season |
Stokes’ blend of grit, leadership, and sporting spirit continues to inspire fans and teammates alike. His timely recovery will be crucial for England as they prepare for a challenging Test calendar, while he simultaneously aims to maintain his form and influence on the field.
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