Englandthe cricket captain Ben Stokes has been officially ruled out in the first test match against Pakistan due to his ongoing recovery from a torn hamstring injury. Stokes suffered the injury while participating in The Hundred tour in August, forcing him to miss England’s recent successful series against Sri Lankawhere the team won 2-1.
The status and impact of Ben Stokes’ recovery
Stokes was hopeful of returning to lead his side on the field in Multan for the much-anticipated Test scheduled for Monday. However, after a training session on Saturday, he confirmed that he has yet to reach the full fitness required to race. This absence is a significant blow for England, given Stokes’ reputation as one of the best players in the game, known for his exceptional skills with both bat and ball, as well as his leadership qualities.
Adjustments to the England squad
With Stokes unavailable, the veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes is set to step in, making his first appearance in an overseas Test match in more than two years. His last Test played in Asia was in 2016, marking this as a notable comeback for the experienced player. Furthermore, Brydon Carse is in line to win his Test debut, which shows England’s willingness to introduce new talent into the squad amid challenges.
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Ollie Pope will lead in Stokes’ absence
In light of Stokes’ absence, the wicketkeeper bats Ollie Pope will take the reins as captain for the fourth game in a row. Pope has already proved himself capable, successfully leading the team in their recent series against Sri Lanka. England, while dealing with the loss of their captain, remain determined to put in a strong performance against Pakistan, aiming to build on their recent success and establish a foothold in the series.
