England captain Ben Stokes has revealed significant facial injuries sustained after being struck by a cricket ball during a training session at Durham's nets.
The 34-year-old posted a selfie on social media earlier today displaying the extent of his wounds, which included a badly swollen right eye, a gash to his cheek and a bloodied nose.
The incident took place while Stokes was positioned to one side as teammates practised, rather than in the crease, according to reports.
The all-rounder has recently returned to England following the national team's disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia.
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Despite the painful appearance of his injuries, Stokes maintained his characteristic sense of humour about the injury.
Accompanied by a laughing emoji, he wrote in a social media post: "You should see the state of the cricket ball."
The light-hearted response drew an outpouring of support from cricket enthusiasts online.
Supporters flooded social media with messages of goodwill for the star all-rounder.
England captain Ben Stokes has revealed significant facial injuries sustained after being struck by a cricket ball during a training session at Durham's nets
|One fan posted: "Wishing Ben for a speedy recovery. Get well soon Stokes."
Another added: "Wishing you a speedy recovery, Ben!"
A third said: "Get well soon, legend!"
There has been no indication yet as to whether the facial damage will affect any upcoming commitments for the England player.
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Ben Stokes maintained his characteristic sense of humour about the injury
|GETTY
The 34-year-old is currently recovering from a groin injury picked up during the final Test of England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
He was not able to play in the final Tests of last summer because of a shoulder injury, and last year alone tore his hamstring twice.
The all-rounder has confirmed he wants to continue as England captain at least until the end of the 2027 home Ashes series despite criticism from soem supporters after the miserable Ashes series.
Stokes is set to move closer to a post-playing career in coaching by joining the backroom staff for the Lions' white-ball tour of the UAE.
When next summer's Ashes series concludes and his England contract runs out, the Englishman will be 36 years of age
|GETTY
The all-rounder will work alongside head coach Andrew Flintoff as England's second-string side faces Pakistan's equivalent in a series of limited-overs fixtures.
Former England spinner Moeen Ali has also been confirmed as part of the coaching setup for a portion of the tour.
This is a strong signal of Stokes' future direction: the 34-year-old is widely expected to pursue coaching roles once his playing days conclude, rather than transition into television and media work.
When next summer's Ashes series concludes and his England contract runs out, the Englishman will be 36 years of age.
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