England Test captain Ben Stokes has left cricket fans stunned after revealing a gruesome facial injury on Instagram with the caption “you should see the state of the cricket ball,” showcasing his trademark humor despite the painful blow.
The 34-year-old all-rounder shared shocking images of the significant damage sustained from being struck by a ball, highlighting the brutal physical demands and inherent dangers of professional cricket.

While the exact circumstances remain unclear, the injury may have occurred during a practice session in the nets, though Stokes has not officially confirmed the details.
Known for his fighting spirit both on and off the field, Stokes has previously courted controversy, most notably in 2017 when he was involved in an altercation outside a Bristol bar that was captured on CCTV footage and went viral, showing him punching individuals after a night of drinking.
The latest injury comes at a challenging time for Stokes, who returned to England last month following a disappointing Ashes tour that saw Australia dominate with a convincing 4-1 series victory. His leadership remains under scrutiny with an ongoing ECB review. Fans have rallied with messages of support, hoping their captain makes a swift recovery.
