Ben Stokes doubtful for series opener against Pakistan in Multan; medical team to conduct more tests
England red-ball skipper Ben Stokes is yet to attain full fitness following his hamstring injury ahead of the three-match series against Pakistan. The all-rounder sustained the injury during the 2024 Hundred campaign while playing for the Northern Superchargers, and missed the home series against Sri Lanka as a result.
Stokes was named in the squad for the Pakistan series as captain, but he might not take the field for the first Test in Multan, beginning from October 7 onwards. Opening batter Zak Crawley revealed that the skipper still has to undergo a set of tests before he can be declared match-fit.
Furthermore, a report by The Independent also mentions that Stokes looked in discomfort while batting in the nets and bowled with a gentle intensity.
If Stokes does not make it in time, the leadership responsibility will fall down to vice-captain Ollie Pope once again. The stand-in skipper had guided England to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka at home recently, but copped a lot of blame for his timid approach, and the manner with which the responsibility affected his batting.
“I think he’s got to do a few more tests, but he’s been doing some running and stuff. He seems to be going well, recovering well from his injury, (but) we don’t know just yet. We feel ready, whatever team comes out it will be a nice balance either way. We’ve got a really deep squad with plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well," Crawley told media ahead of the first Test.
The last time England toured Pakistan, it marked Stokes' first overseas tour as Test captain. He had guided the team to a ruthless 3-0 whitewash.
"I couldn’t pick up a bat for five weeks" - Zak Crawley on missing the second half of the English summer with Ben Stokes
Zak Crawley also opened up about his own injury recovery. He had suffered a finger injury while fielding in the slips against the West Indies. The opening batter had missed the Sri Lanka series, forcing England to use Dan Lawrence as a makeshift opening batter.
“I feel brand new. I’m looking forward to getting out there. I couldn’t pick up a bat for five weeks. I’ve certainly missed it, so I can’t wait to get out there again with the boys. It was a nasty break at the time but I’ve recovered well and I don’t feel it at all while I’m batting," Crawley said.
"I won’t go at slip, just from advice from the doctor, but I feel like I could. I’m trying to rest it but I did a few catches and it feels fine. I’m just trying to follow the professional advice," he added.
England come on the back of a prolific home season, winning five matches out of six, with a loss against Sri Lanka at The Oval being the sole blimp in the trend.