Stokes aims to return for Durham against Worcestershire on May 8 and Kent on May 15 in County Championship matches. He called the facial injury a freak incident after surgery following a ball striking his face in Durham nets. Stokes described the moment as scary but confirmed he is now fine after major facial surgery. The injury delayed his return by about a month and may impact his Lions appearance plans. He defended his relationship with England coach Brendon McCullum, dismissing talk of a rift as an overstatement.