Ben Stokes, England’s full-time red-ball captain, appears to be a question mark for the starting XI against Pakistan in the opening Test of the three-match series, which is set to start in Multan on October 7. The star all-rounder had said last month that he would prefer to take a bit longer to heal rather than run the danger of making his injury worse.
Opening batsman Zak Crawley, who previously talked out about the squad’s overall makeup and Ben Stokes’ status quo, broke his little finger trying to make a catch in the third Test of the series against the West Indies.
“With a wealth of alternatives both at bat and with the ball, we have a pretty deep group. We think we’re ready. Regardless of the winning team, there will be a good balance. He seemed to be doing well and getting over his ailment. We’re not sure yet. Crawley was cited as saying, “I think he needs to do a few more tests, but he’s been doing some running and stuff.”
At the time, it was a painful break, but I’ve since healed well: Zak Crawley
The leadoff hitter, who appeared happy to be back to normal, talked about how his finger was feeling and mentioned the spots on the pitch he should avoid fielding in the near future based on the club doctor’s instructions.
“The finger is not hurting. Right now, it’s as wonderful as it gets. I made a full recovery from it. Although it was a painful break at the time, I’ve bounced back nicely and don’t feel it at all when I’m hitting. I haven’t done a lot on the field. I’m attempting to give it some rest, but it feels good after I made a few catches there during training. I refuse to follow the doctor’s advise and give in to temptation. Although I really feel like I could, I’m just attempting to heed the counsel of experts.
I can’t wait to get back to work now that everything feels normal again. I feel like a whole new person. I can’t wait to venture outdoors. I can’t wait to go out there again with the boys because I’ve really missed it,” Crawley continued.
Crawley also emphasised how much his way of thinking has changed over the last several months and expressed his desire to use this new way of thinking when using the bat in the next Test series.
“You must read the terms and conditions. Being more flexible and making the appropriate plays while remaining fierce—that’s always going to be me—is something I’ve been thinking about in the last several months, the opener said.
Also Read: ‘We don’t overlook Pakistan’s class batting line-up’- Zak Crawley on England’s mindset heading into Test series
Ollie Pope will continue to captain the team if Stokes is not included in the first Test. Additionally, Chris Woakes, who is vying to play his first overseas Test for England in 2.5 years, might be brought in and assigned to the No. 7 spot.
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