England still keeping tabs on Ben Stokes’ fitness ahead of their three-match test series against Pakistan starting in Multan.
Ben Stokes has emerged as a doubt to play in the first Test of England’s tour to Pakistan on Monday
During a training session in Multan on Friday, Stokes bowled off a brief run-up after batting for about thirty minutes in the nets. He might not, however, be named when England announces their squad on Saturday.
During the August Hundred, Stokes injured his left hamstring while batting. This prevented him from playing in England’s Test series against Sri Lanka. In his recuperation, he has been aiming for this three-game series, but stated last month : “I’d rather take an extra two weeks than run the risk of potentially doing something worse, and then putting myself out of the game for longer.”
Ollie Pope, who led England to a 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka, will continue to fill in as captain of the team if Stokes is sidelined. Chris Woakes, who is expected to play his first overseas Test in 2.5 years and would help balance the team from No. 7, could also benefit from Stokes’ probable absence.
With a broken finger that kept him out of the Sri Lanka series, Crawley will be making a comeback to the team and stated England will be OK without Stokes.
“We’ve got a really deep squad. Plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well,” he said. “We feel ready. Whatever team comes out, it will be a nice balance either way.”