As England gears up for the second Test against Pakistan, captain Ben Stokes has addressed the significant changes in the Pakistan cricket squad following their defeat in Multan. Stokes, who returns to lead the team after recovering from a hamstring injury, was notably reserved in his comments about the turmoil affecting Pakistan cricket, particularly the absences of key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.
Pakistan’s Selection Dilemma
The Pakistan men’s cricket selection committee has made substantial changes to the Test squad after a disappointing performance in the first Test. The absence of star players has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the current state of Pakistan cricket. Stokes, however, opted to distance himself from the ongoing controversy.
“Yeah, just everything on that is Pakistan cricket’s issue. It has nothing to do with me,” Stokes stated during a pre-match press conference held at the Multan Cricket Stadium on October 14. His blunt response reflects a desire to focus on his team rather than delve into the challenges faced by their opponents.
Ollie Pope’s Leadership
In Stokes’ absence, Ollie Pope has taken on the captaincy, achieving a commendable record with three wins in four Tests. Stokes praised Pope’s leadership skills, emphasizing the importance of this experience for the young captain.
“For such a young player who has got quite a lot of experience now, having that exposure to being a top-order batter but also captain will be really, really good for him in the long term,” Stokes commented. He acknowledged Pope’s accomplishments, noting, “His winning percentage is better than mine. I think he has done a great job and should be very proud of what he has achieved while I have been injured.”
Stokes acknowledged the unique challenges that come with being a stand-in captain, especially when one knows their tenure is limited. He commended Pope for maintaining continuity while also implementing his own strategies, supported by head coach Brendon McCullum.
Playing XIs for the Second Test
Pakistan XI: Shan Masood (captain), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Zahid Mahmood.
England XI: Ben Stokes (captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
As the series progresses, the focus will be on how Pakistan adapts to the absence of its star players and whether England can capitalize on their current momentum. With the second Test set to take place in Multan, both teams are poised for an intriguing battle as they navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
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