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.”
