Ben Stokes Set for Return in Second Test Against Pakistan

PAK vs ENG Test Series 2024: After winning the Multan Test, another piece of good news has emerged for the England team. A report regarding the fitness of the team’s regular captain and key all-rounder, Ben Stokes, has come out. Ben Stokes might be able to play in the second Test match against Pakistan. Stokes had been out of the team due to a hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred League tournament. Now, he is expected to return fully fit for the second Test match.

Ben Stokes Likely to Replace Olly Pope, Chris Woakes, or Shoaib Bashir

Ben Stokes was included in the squad for the Pakistan tour, but he couldn’t recover in time, so he was rested for the Multan Test.

If Stokes returns for the second Test, he might replace three players in the playing XI. The first name that comes up is the current captain, Olly Pope. Pope’s recent form has been poor, and he hasn’t contributed much with the bat. If Stokes comes back, he could take over the captaincy and replace Olly Pope.

Olly Pope said,

“I’m actually not 100 per cent. He’s been training really well this week. He’s as keen as ever to get playing again, so fingers crossed he’s all good.”

Ben Stokes has been working hard on his fitness. The England team could also include him in place of Chris Woakes. Like Stokes, Woakes is an all-rounder but has been struggling with poor form lately.

The third name on the list is Shoaib Bashir, a spin bowler. England might bench Shoaib Bashir for the second Test to make room for Stokes. Bashir didn’t perform well in the first Test, and Stokes could fill the gap with both his batting and bowling skills.

Also, Read about Shan Masood’s thoughts on Pak’s defeat.