Ben Stokes’ injury forced England’s cricket team to concede a significant amount of ground in the first Test match against Pakistan in Multan. The 33-year-old hasn’t played since early August and is still healing from a hamstring tear he suffered at the Hundred competition.
Ben Stokes was not available for the tour, even though the England camp had earlier expressed optimism that he would be.
The captain made this known following Saturday’s training session. Stokes was seen working with strength and conditioning coach Peter Sim on shuttle runs during the training session. He then spent some time in the nets taking on spin bowlers. The England captain is aware of his homecoming, though.
Joe Root calls Brydon Carse a natural wicket-taker.
Ollie Pope, who gained leadership experience from the squad’s recent 2-1 series triumph over Sri Lanka, will continue to guide the team in Stokes’ absence. Brydon Carse will be playing his first Test, while Chris Woakes will be playing his first overseas match in 2.5 years.
The Durham bowler’s ability to produce wicket-taking deliveries even on the flattest of decks was highlighted by Joe Root, who hailed his qualities. “He takes wickets naturally. He possesses those deliveries that can suddenly create an impact on even the most uninteresting wickets. He provides the team with enormous value,” Root was cited as saying.
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Alongside Shoaib Bashir, Jack Leach, who hasn’t played for England since January, is one of the team’s two spinners. Gus Atkinson has also been picked after he recovered from a thigh niggle. Stokes is anticipated to be available solely as a specialist hitter for the second Test, which begins on October 15.
England squad for first Test against Pakistan: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse (debut), Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
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