England Test captain Ben Stokes is doubtful for the first Test against Pakistan. The all-rounder hasn’t recovered from his hamstring injury, which he sustained during the Hundred 2024 while playing for the Northern Superchargers. He also missed the three home red-ball games against Sri Lanka.
Stokes was named in the team as a captain for the Pakistan series, but he might sit out of the first Test in Multan, starting from October 7. Opening batter Zak Crawley said that Ben will have to undergo several tests before he can get a go-ahead from the medical team.
According to a report by The Independent, Ben Stokes was in discomfort while batting in the nets and bowled without any intensity.
Ollie Pope will once again lead England if Ben fails to recover on time. He was the stand-in skipper in Sri Lanka, where England won 2-1 at home.
“He has started running and other stuff, but the medical team will conduct several tests before he can be declared fit. We are ready for the Pakistan series, and there is enough quality in the squad. We have plenty of options with the bat and the ball,” Crawley told media ahead of the first Test.
England defeated Pakistan 3-0 in the away Test series, which was also Ben Stokes’ first overseas assignment as red-ball captain.
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