The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Saturday, October 5 announced the playing XI for the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan. Notably, the Three Lions will lock horns in a three-match Test series in Multan and Rawalpindi. While the first Test will commence from Monday, October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test from October 15 and third Test from October 24 in Rawalpindi.
England red-ball captain, Ben Stokes will continue to sit out in the opening Test as he continues to recover from the hamstring injury, meanwhile Ollie Pope will once again lead the side after he recently led England to 2-1 series win against Sri Lanka at home. Moreover, Somerset spinner, Jack Leach will make his return in the side for the first time since he last featured in the whites during England’s tour of India. Seamer Brydon Carse has been handed his Test debut, while Zak Crawley will also return after recovering from a broken finger.
Ben Stokes ruled out of first Test vs Pakistan
England’s red-ball captain, Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan. The decision of Stokes missing out the first Test of the series comes as a precautionary measure with the England all-rounder recovering from a torn hamstring. The development around the 33-year-old was confirmed on Saturday, October 5 after training session. Stokes clarified that he is not yet fully recovered from the injury, which he sustained during The Hundred tournament two months ago.
England’s Playing XI for first Test against Pakistan
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse (Debut), Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir