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England have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, as ace all-rounder Ben Stokes will be absent from the fixture beginning on October 7. Stokes, already doubtful for the match, will continue his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the summer and aims to return to full fitness ahead of the next two Tests in the series.
England’s Ben Stokes to Miss 1st Pakistan Test While Recovering
Ben Stokes, who has been out of action for some time, suffered the injury while running between the wickets during The Hundred 2024 game between the Northern Superchargers and Manchester Originals. The injury also forced him to miss England’s three-Test series against Sri Lanka, during which Ollie Pope stepped up as captain and led the team to a 2-1 victory.
Ahead of the Pakistan series, Ben Stokes underwent a scan to assess his recovery progress. The results showed positive signs, indicating that he is on track for a full recovery. However, England’s management has opted for caution, ensuring the 33-year-old is fit for the remaining two matches.
In Ben Stokes‘ absence, Ollie Pope will once again take on the leadership role, captaining England for the fourth consecutive Test. Pope, who impressed during the Sri Lanka series, will be tasked with guiding the team against a strong Pakistan side. However, without Stokes’ all-round abilities, England may find it challenging to strike the right balance in their playing XI.
