PAK vs ENG: Ben Stokes ruled out of first Test in Multan, return delayed
Ben Stokes’ ongoing injury troubles have struck again as the England Test captain has been ruled out of the opening Test of the three-match series against Pakistan in Multan.
Stokes continues to recover from a hamstring injury that has sidelined him since August. After missing the entire Test series against Sri Lanka, concerns over his fitness have also cast a shadow over this highly anticipated clash against Pakistan.
The 33-year-old all-rounder missed England’s recent 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka, with vice-captain Ollie Pope stepping up to lead the side in his absence. As England released their Playing XI for the Multan Test, Pope has been named captain once again for the Pakistan series, where he will aim to guide the Three Lions against a Pakistan team that has struggled with form recently.
“With England Captain Ben Stokes still recovering from a hamstring tear, Ollie Pope will captain the side in his absence,” England’s statement said.
Stokes’s recovery going good
Despite travelling with the squad and participating in training sessions, Stokes has been careful with both bat and ball, raising doubts about his fitness level. Last week, Stokes hinted that he might not be able to bowl at the beginning of the series, which begins on Monday, October 7. Though there was optimism about his participation, it became evident that he hadn’t yet reached full match fitness, prompting the decision to rest him for the first Test.
Stokes originally injured his hamstring on August 11 while playing in The Hundred for Northern Superchargers, where he was forced to leave the field and later ruled out for the rest of the English summer. His absence is a significant blow for England, as his experience and leadership and the combination with head coach Brendon McCullum has been instrumental in their recent successes.
England’s XI for the first Test
1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope (C)
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Jamie Smith
7. Chris Woakes
8. Gus Atkinson
9. Brydon Carse (Debut)
10. Jack Leach
11. Shoaib Bashir
With Stokes getting ruled out, Ollie Pope will now have the luxury of managing a simpler lineup. A similar top-order combination from the Sri Lanka series, featuring the likes of Ben Duckett, Pope, and Zak Crawley is expected to lead England’s batting charge. In-form Harry Brook, Joe Root, and Jamie Smith will anchor the middle order, particularly against Pakistan’s pace attack.
In terms of their bowling attack, the likes of Jack Leach and Gus Atkinson will be one to watch out for, as they try a spin-pace combination against Pakistan’s current off-form batting attack. The Multan Test will also see 29-year-old pacer Brydon Carse make his England debut.