India, April 16 -- Ben Stokes revealed that he suffered a very close call with an extremely threatening injury, one which he believes could have turned out much worse with a little bit more bad luck. The England captain had to undergo facial surgery after being hit in the head by a ball while batting in the nets for Durham - a 'scary' situation that thankfully avoided the worst-case scenario.

Stokes was batting in the nets at Chester-le-Street, where he was hosting a session with the age-group and developmental players in the Durham system, when he shattered his cheekbone in February. Surgery followed, but the England captain was counting his lucky stars.

"I copped one straight in the face. Pretty nasty but, funnily, probably the best r...