A 3-match test series will be played between Pakistan cricket team and England cricket team from 7th October. England has reached Pakistan for the series. However, before the first match, England has suffered a big setback. Star player and captain Ben Stokes will not play in the first match. The first match will be played in Multan. But Stokes will not be a part of this match. He has been ruled out of the first test due to a hamstring problem.
Injured in The Hundred
Stokes was injured while playing in The Hundred League. He had to accept defeat in the middle of the batting and retired. But he has not yet fully recovered from the injury. Chris Woakes is expected to get a chance in the absence of Stokes. Apart from this, Braden Kars may also get a chance to debut. In his absence, Ollie Pope will take over the captaincy. He also captained the 3-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Under his leadership, England also won the series 2-1. Pope will lead England in his fourth Test as captain.
Stokes was seen doing a shuttle run with a strength and conditioning coach 45 minutes before England's training session. He played against spin bowling in the nets. Apart from this, he also had to face throw down. Stokes said that he did not want to take any risk on his return. Stokes is expected to play in the second match against Pakistan.
England team against Pakistan
Ben Stokes (captain), Joe Root, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Braden Cares, Jordan Cox, Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Jamie Smith, Ben Stone ,Chris Vokes