England have made two changes to their XI for the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, with Ben Stokes making a comeback.
Having recovered from a hamstring injury, Stokes will return to the England side after a hiatus of two months. The all-rounder missed the home series against Sri Lanka and the first Test against Pakistan. Stokes’ comeback means he will take over the reins from Ollie Pope, who stood as the team’s stand-in captain in his absence.
Stokes has been bending his back in the nets and could send down some overs in the second match as the side’s third seam-bowling option.
"He looks great. He has worked really hard on his fitness and is looking as strong as I've ever seen him… Knowing Ben, once he gets into the game, there will be no stopping him. He's just that sort of player. He's good to go: we'll just have to wait and see what he can do in the game," England's fast bowling mentor James Anderson told BBC.
He will replace Chris Woakes as one of the two changes in the XI, with Matthew Potts coming in place of a rested Gus Atkinson. The first match was a high-scoring affair despite England’s innings win. Atkinson bowled 39 overs, while Woakes 38. The duo has played all the matches in England’s home summer so far. To manage their workload, they have been given a break.
Ben Duckett, who dislocated his thumb while fielding in the first innings, came in later at No.4, smashing a 75-ball 84. He keeps his place at the top after recovering from the injury, while Jamie Smith will slot back to No.7 to accommodate Stokes in his preferred position at No.6.
Ben Stokes ✅
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) October 14, 2024
Matthew Potts ✅
England have named their Playing XI for the second Test in Multan.
Read here ➡️ https://t.co/JbcSwLKgCn pic.twitter.com/Q6dL0VKlxK
England XI for 2nd Test against Pakistan:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir
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