As England prepares for their upcoming Test series against Pakistan, the fitness of captain Ben Stokes remains a significant concern. The 33-year-old all-rounder has been sidelined since early August due to a hamstring injury sustained while playing in the Hundred tournament. Despite his absence, Stokes has been actively involved in training sessions, but his participation in the first Test, scheduled to begin on October 7 in Multan, is still uncertain.
Recovery Progress and Training
Stokes has recently resumed batting in the nets and bowled a few deliveries during practice, indicating that he is making progress in his recovery. However, he has expressed caution regarding his return to bowling, suggesting that he may not be ready to bowl at the start of the series. “He seems to be going well, recovering well from his injury,” noted opener Zak Crawley, who is also returning from injury himself.
Stokes previously indicated that he would prefer to take additional time for recovery rather than risk aggravating his injury. “The recurrence rate of these injuries is 50%, which is quite high. I’d rather take an extra two weeks than run the risk of potentially doing something worse,” he stated. This cautious approach reflects his commitment to ensuring a full recovery before rejoining the team.
Team Dynamics and Captaincy
If Stokes is unable to play, vice-captain Ollie Pope will continue to lead the team after successfully guiding them to a series victory against Sri Lanka in his absence. The potential absence of Stokes could also pave the way for Chris Woakes to make his return to overseas Test cricket after two and a half years, adding depth to England’s bowling lineup.
Crawley emphasized that England possesses a deep squad with plenty of options, stating, “We’ve got a really deep squad, with plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well”. This depth will be crucial as the team navigates the challenges posed by Stokes’s uncertain availability.
Will Stokes Play in the First Test Against Pakistan?
England’s management is expected to announce their playing XI two days before the first Test, allowing for a final assessment of Stokes’s fitness. The team has opted not to play any warm-up matches before this series, focusing instead on acclimatizing to the conditions in Multan.
Crawley himself is eager to return after recovering from a broken finger sustained earlier this summer. He expressed enthusiasm about rejoining his teammates and contributing to the team’s efforts against Pakistan. “I feel brand new… I’m looking forward to getting out there again with the boys,” he remarked.
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