Ben Stokes to Miss First Test Against Pakistan Due to Injury
England star all-rounder and captain Ben Stokes is set to miss the first Test match against Pakistan in Multan. The 32-year-old captain has been sidelined due to a lingering hamstring injury, which he sustained two months ago during The Hundred tournament. Despite his efforts to recover in time, Stokes has not fully healed and will sit out the series opener.
Ollie Pope to Lead England
In Stokes’ absence, 26-year-old Ollie Pope, who has been regarded as the unofficial vice-captain of the team, is set to take charge of the English side for the first Test. This will be Pope’s fourth consecutive match as captain, after leading England to a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka last month. His leadership during that series earned him praise, and he will once again step up to guide the team through this crucial match in Multan.
Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse Set for Key Roles
With Stokes unavailable, veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes is expected to play his first overseas Test in over two years, and his first in Asia since 2016. Woakes, known for his consistent bowling and lower-order batting, will bring valuable experience to the side. Additionally, Brydon Carse is likely to make his Test debut, adding fresh energy to the bowling attack.
Training Session and Stokes’ Recovery
Ben Stokes participated in England’s training session, starting with shuttle runs alongside the team’s strength and conditioning coach, Peter Sim, for 45 minutes. He also spent time batting in the nets, facing spin from Rehan Ahmed, local bowlers, and receiving throwdowns from the coaching staff. However, Stokes remains cautious about his recovery and has opted to give himself more time to heal properly.
Final XI and Spin Options
England are expected to announce their final playing XI later today. The team is likely to include two spinners, with Jack Leach returning for his first international match since January, joining Shoaib Bashir in the spin department. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who has recently recovered from a minor thigh injury, is also set to play his first overseas Test, further strengthening England’s bowling attack.
Conclusion
Ben Stokes’ absence is a significant blow to England’s preparations for the Test series against Pakistan. However, under the leadership of Ollie Pope and with experienced players like Chris Woakes stepping up, England will be aiming to adapt and perform well in the first Test. As they finalize their squad, the inclusion of spinners and fresh talent like Brydon Carse will be critical in navigating the conditions in Multan.
