Ben Stokes: England star facing 12 weeks out with broken finger requiring surgery

Injury occurred while the 29-year-old made a catch in Rajasthan Royals’ IPL season-opener

Ben Stokes is set for surgery in Leeds (Getty Images)

Ben Stokes will undergo surgery on a broken finger next week, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed.

England all-rounder Stokes broke his left index finger while making a catch during Rajasthan Royals’ Indian Premier League (IPL) season-opener on Monday.

After successfully dismissing Punjab Kings’ Chris Gayle, Stokes immediately felt discomfort in his hand.

He was able to continue playing, though did not add to the one over he bowled before the incident.

The injury is set to keep Stokes out of action for up to 12 weeks, meaning he will miss the rest of the IPL season – as first reported by The Independent – as well as the Test series with New Zealand in June.

Stokes is still in India with the Royals but is set to fly back to England on Saturday, the ECB said.

The 29-year-old will then undergo surgery on the broken finger in Leeds on Monday.