Ben Stokes Returns from Injury to Captain England in PAK vs ENG 2nd Test

Prepend to the Content

Read Original Content: Ben Stokes Returns from Injury to Captain England in PAK vs ENG 2nd Test

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, has recovered from a hamstring injury and is set to play in the second Test against Pakistan in Multan.

The all-rounder was named in the playing XI announced on Monday, marking his comeback after missing the entire series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Seamer Matt Potts also returns to the side, replacing Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson, who were rested after bowling extensively in the opening Test.

The match will begin on Tuesday, with England already leading the three-match series 1-0. Stokes’ return is expected to boost the team after their dominating performance in the first Test, where they secured a win by an innings and 47 runs.

Changes in Both Camps for the Multan Clash

Ben Stokes sustained his injury in August, sidelining him from England’s 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka. However, the captain was part of the squad that clean-swept West Indies 3-0 earlier in the summer.

Matthew Potts, too, has been recalled after last playing in the Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s. He also featured in the ODI series against Australia but returns now to bolster England’s bowling attack for the Pakistan series.

Atkinson and Woakes, who bowled a combined 74 overs under scorching heat in the opening Test, have been rested for the second game. Despite the hot conditions and a pitch expected to assist spinners, England has opted not to add another spinner to their squad.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has also shuffled their squad, leaving out key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Instead, they have rewarded several top performers from domestic cricket, aiming for a fresh approach in the second Test.

England’s Squad for the Second Test:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, ⁠Ollie Pope, ⁠Joe Root, ⁠Harry Brook, ⁠Ben Stokes (captain), ⁠Jamie Smith, ⁠Brydon Carse, ⁠Matt Potts, ⁠Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

After setting a mammoth first-innings total of 823 runs in the previous Test, England will look to carry their momentum into the second game. With the visitors eyeing a series victory, the focus will be on how both teams adapt to the spin-friendly conditions in Multan.

Read Original Content: Ben Stokes Returns from Injury to Captain England in PAK vs ENG 2nd Test

ProBatsman