Ben Stokes is a doubt for the first Test of England’s tour to Pakistan on Monday, but Zak Crawley has confirmed his fitness. Stokes batted for about 30 minutes in the nets and bowled briefly during a training session in Multan on Friday, but he is unlikely to be chosen in England’s squad when they are announced on Saturday. Stokes tore his left hamstring while batting in the Hundred in August.
This severe injury forced him out of England’s Test series against Sri Lanka. If Ben Stokes is ruled out, Ollie Pope, who led England to a 2-1 victory over Sri Lanka, will continue to skipper the team. Stokes’ possible absence may also open the door for Chris Woakes, who is in line to play his first overseas Test in two and a half years and would assist in balancing the side from No. 7.
Ben Stokes’ Careful Approach
Crawley, who will return to the side after missing the Sri Lanka series due to a broken finger, believes England is well prepared if Ben Stokes is absent. “We’ve got a really deep squad, with plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well,” Crawley said. “We feel ready. Whatever team comes out, it will be a nice balance either way.” England is due to name their starting XI two days before the first Test, as has become typical, and Crawley implied a late decision on Ben Stokes’ inclusion.
Crawley hasn’t participated in a competitive match since July, when England faced the West Indies in their third Test. He fractured his little finger while dropping a catch in the slips off Jason Holder on the third day, and his absence underscored his value to the team, with Dan Lawrence failing to pass 35 as a substitute. Crawley set the tone for England’s most recent visit to Pakistan with an 86-ball century in Rawalpindi on the first day of the series.
England Arrived in Multan
England practiced for the first time in Multan, which will host the first two Tests of this three-match series, on Friday after arriving early on Wednesday morning. They will not play any warm-up games before the first Test, but Crawley said he felt “brand new” and ready to play 10 weeks after his most recent innings, even though he will not field in slips.
Crawley’s hand was extensively bandaged at the outset of his lay-off, and he couldn’t pick up a cricket bat until mid-September. He has been training at Canterbury with England’s spin-bowling coach, Jeetan Patel, as well as at a net facility in south London, and after his net on Thursday, he ran many circuits around the pitch to assist him adjust to the searing 38 degrees.
Bottom Line
Ben Stokes may miss the first Test against Pakistan owing to a hamstring injury, leaving Ollie Pope to lead again. If Ben Stokes is ruled out, Chris Woakes might return for his first overseas Test in almost two years. Zak Crawley, who has recovered from a finger injury, claimed the team is ready and balanced. England will finalize their team soon before the Multan Test.
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