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."