England captain Ben Stokes will miss the first Test match against Pakistan due to a persistent hamstring injury, as the team revealed its player lineup for the series.
The all-rounder declared himself unavailable after a training session in Multan made clear he needed further rest.
Stokes originally sustained the injury during the Hundred League and has struggled to recover despite significant efforts fully.
In his absence, Ollie Pope will serve as the stand-in captain for the upcoming match.
Pope aims to lead England to a strong start in their Pakistan tour.
The series begins on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Additionally, James Anderson will not join the tour in Pakistan as he is participating in Scotland’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
However, at 42, Anderson continues to impart his vast experience to the team’s bowlers through WhatsApp.
Regarding lineup changes, Durham seamer Brydon Carse is set to make his Test debut.
Spinner Jack Leach returns to Test cricket for the first time since January.
Zak Crawley will also return, recovering from a broken finger he suffered over the summer.
Schedule:
- Oct 7-11: First Test, Multan.
- Oct 15-19: Second Test, Multan.
- Oct 24-28: Third Test, Rawalpindi.
Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse (Debut), Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
