Oct 5 – England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, has confirmed he will miss the opening Test against Pakistan in Multan, scheduled to start on Monday. The 33-year-old all-rounder is still recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of full match fitness. Stokes expressed his frustration at not being able to make the first Test but acknowledged the need to prioritize his long-term fitness.
“I did everything I could to try and be ready for this match, but unfortunately, I’m not quite at the level needed to be fully match fit,” Stokes shared. Despite his disappointment, Stokes reassured fans that he is making good progress. “I’ve been working hard with the medical team, and we’ve made more progress than we initially expected. Hopefully, I’ll be ready to join the team for the second Test,” he added. The second match of the series, also set to take place in Multan, begins on October 15.
In Stokes’ absence, Ollie Pope will take up the captaincy role for the first Test. Pope has previously led the side during England’s home series against Sri Lanka earlier this year, proving himself a capable leader. The young batter is expected to steer England through what is anticipated to be a tough series, especially given the competitive conditions Pakistan presents in home Test matches.
Joining the England squad for the first time is Brydon Carse, the fast bowler from Durham, who is set to make his Test debut in Multan. Carse, known for his pace and ability to move the ball, has impressed in domestic cricket, and the England management is confident he will bring fresh energy to the bowling attack. Carse’s inclusion is part of a broader strategy to inject new blood into the squad as they prepare for a packed international calendar.
Spinner Jack Leach will also return to the Test arena, marking his first appearance since England’s tour of India in January. Leach’s left-arm spin has been pivotal in previous overseas tours, and his return to the side is seen as a crucial asset, particularly in the spin-friendly conditions of Pakistan. The team will also be bolstered by the return of Zak Crawley, who has recovered fully from a finger injury sustained earlier in the summer. Crawley’s attacking style at the top of the order will be key as England seeks a strong start in the series.
After a successful 2-1 series victory at home against Sri Lanka, England enters the three-match Test series with momentum on their side. However, despite Pakistan’s recent struggles, including a 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh, the visitors are not underestimating their opposition. Joe Root, one of England’s most experienced players, cautioned against complacency.
“We know how strong Pakistan is as a unit, particularly in their home conditions. They have several players capable of turning a game on its head, and we have to respect that,” Root said in a press conference. His words reflect the cautious optimism within the England camp as they prepare for the challenges that await them in the subcontinent.
England’s pace attack will be spearheaded by Chris Woakes, who has been a dependable performer for the team in all conditions. Alongside Woakes, Gus Atkinson and the debutant Brydon Carse will provide the firepower needed to test Pakistan’s batting lineup. England’s bowling strategy, which also includes Leach’s spin and Root’s occasional off-breaks, will aim to exploit the conditions in Multan, known for offering assistance to both pace and spin bowlers.
On the batting front, England will rely heavily on their experienced players like Root and Pope. Harry Brook, who has continued to grow in stature with consistent performances in the middle order, will also be expected to contribute significantly. Jamie Smith, another rising talent, will be keen to make an impact as the wicketkeeper-batter.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back after their disappointing series against Bangladesh. The team boasts a mix of experienced players and exciting young talents, and they will be keen to use the home advantage to cause problems for the English side. The Multan pitch is expected to offer turn for the spinners, and Pakistan will likely field a spin-heavy attack to capitalize on the conditions.
As both teams gear up for what promises to be an exciting and competitive series, England will be hoping to get off to a strong start, even without their captain. Stokes’ absence may be a blow, but the team remains confident in their depth and talent to perform in his absence. All eyes will be on Brydon Carse, as he takes his first steps in Test cricket, and on Ollie Pope, who will look to lead by example in a challenging series opener.
England XI
Ollie Pope (captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Chris Woakes, Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jack Leach.