'I might not be here' - Stokes on being hit in face by ball

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 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.