England skipper Stokes ruled out of the first Pakistan test starting in Multan from October 7th as he is still unfit.
England skipper Ben Stokes’ recovery from his injury will continue as he misses out on the 11 for the first test.
Following his workout on Saturday, Stokes acknowledged that he is still recovering from the injury he suffered when competing in the Hundred two months ago.
In Stokes’ absence Brydon Carse will make his Test debut. Chris Woakes is expected to play his first overseas Test in 2.5 years and his first in Asia since 2016. Ollie Pope, who led England to a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka last month, will skipper the team for the fourth time in Stokes’ absence.
During England’s first 45-minute training session, Stokes worked with strength and conditioning coach Peter Sim on shuttle runs. Later, he took a bat in the nets where he was facing spin from Rehan Ahmed. He also palyed neighbourhood net-bowlers in addition to throwdowns from England’s coaching staff. However, he is approaching his recuperation cautiously.
With six Test matches against England scheduled before the year’s end and a comparatively high likelihood of recurrence for his hamstring ailments, he was hesitant to take any chances with his return. Now that the second Test is to begin on October 15, Stokes will be available as a specialist batsman.
Two days before the first Test, England will announce their playing eleven later on Saturday. They will probably select two spinners. Jack Leach will bowl alongside Shoaib Bashir in his first international match since January. Gus Atkinson, who recovered from a thigh niggle, likely to play his first overseas Test.
Carse is to dethrone Matthew Potts as the final seam bowler in England’s seam attack. Both bowlers impressed in their most recent ODI series against Australia, taking eight wickets apiece. But England seems to have selected Carse because of his extra pace and better batting. Olly Stone, who played in two Tests against Sri Lanka, is also expected to miss out.