Ben Stokes is doubtful for England’s first Test against Pakistan, starting October 7 in Multan. However, Zak Crawley has declared himself fit.
Stokes suffered a hamstring injury during a match in The Hundred. His innings was cut short for a four-ball two as he was carried off the field. The injury ruled Stokes out from England’s 2-1 series win against Sri Lanka.
He has always been touch and go for the start of the Pakistan Tests, explaining at the start of September that he didn’t want to rush his comeback.
Zak Crawley, who is fit after missing the Sri Lanka series due to a broken finger, stated that England are well-equipped to manage Stokes’ possible unavailability: "We've got a really deep squad, with plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well. We feel ready. Whatever team comes out, it will be a nice balance either way."
England are expected to reveal their side ahead of the series opener on Monday, and Crawley said that a last-minute call would be made on the selection of the England captain subject to his fitness. "He seems to be going well, recovering well from his injury. "We don't know just yet. I think he's got to do a few more tests, but he's been doing some running and stuff," Crawley said.
Mark Butcher, speaking on the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, has reflected on Liam Dawson’s exclusion from the Pakistan series and his Test career prospects.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) October 4, 2024
Read here ➡️ https://t.co/dJoZisHWfH pic.twitter.com/mtVWkBvUCF
What happens if Stokes misses out?
Stokes's potential absence could make way for Chris Woakes, who is in contention to play his first overseas Test since March 2022.
Or they could play four specialist bowlers and rely on Joe Root's off-spin, but given the possibility of a flat pitch, that could heap a big workload onto the shoulders of an inexperienced attack.
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