Rewrite the following news content into a professional, SEO-optimized article. Instructions: Keep the meaning exactly the same. Do not add false information. Remove any unwanted text, metadata, or comments at the beginning. Write in clear, engaging, and human-like news tone. Use short paragraphs (2–4 lines each). Add proper headings (H2/H3) where relevant. Ensure good readability and flow. Use simple English (Grade 6–8 level). Avoid repetition and fluff. Format properly for a blog/news post. Content: Image source, Getty Images. ByMatthew Henry. BBC Sport Journalist. 40 minutes ago. 22 Comments. England 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/@stokesy. Stokes 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 initially oversaw a sharp upturn in results while implementing a more relaxed environment and aggressive playing style.. But, having targeted last winter’s Ashes throughout the previous years, the regime came under intense scrutiny in Australia during a tour blighted by poor on-field performances, off-field issues and inadequate preparation.. Stokes said the focus in 2022 was about “bringing enjoyment back”, but “now it is about everything we do is to win, being relentless in what we do in our training and behaviour”.. Much of the criticism around the playing style has been that Stokes’ side were too one-dimensional, particularly with the bat.. They repeatedly lost wickets playing attacking shots, most notably on day two of the first Test in Perth when they squandered a good position.. “So much has been said about style and manner – are we going to change or do this?” he said.. “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.”. Some of the Ashes criticism centered around the squad’s relationship with alcohol after their mid-series trip to Noosa.. It also emerged after the Ashes that white-ball capt
