PAK vs ENG: Ben Stokes Likely Out From The First Pakistan Test

During The Hundred, Stokes sustained an injury in his left hamstring, which prevented him from playing in England's red-ball series against Sri Lanka. He is not expected to play in the Multan Test as he continues his recuperation.

By Emilia Blake 04 Oct 2024 in Cricket

New Update

Ben Stokes, the captain of England, is questionable for Monday's (October 7) first Pakistan vs. England match at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The talented all-around player hasn't participated in a match since August when he was a member of the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. He had to leave the game hurt after tearing his left hamstring while batting against Manchester Originals.

Veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes is expected to replace Ben Stokes in the first Test against Pakistan if he is unable to fully recover. Woakes participated in all six of this season's home Test matches—three against Sri Lanka and three against the West Indies. Against the West Indies, he took 11 wickets and hit a fifty. Woakes, who took 13 wickets against Sri Lanka, will be hoping to play in an international Test match for the first time in over two years.

Pakistan hopeful with Ben Stokes absence:

Ben Stokes is questionable for the first game of the series, but Zak Crawley will start for England. Due to a fractured finger, the right-handed batsman was unable to play in the series against Sri Lanka. He was questioned on Friday on Stokes' probable absence.

Ben Stokes has emerged as a doubt to play in England's first Test against Pakistan, starting on Monday, with the XI expected to be named tomorrow.

Stokes trained in Multan on Friday, but it is not yet clear if he'll be fit to play

Full story: https://t.co/vo8UiAXWhI pic.twitter.com/nSWpbLtDqr
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 4, 2024

Opening batsman Zak Crawley, who previously talked out about the squad's overall makeup and Stokes' status quo, broke his little finger trying to make a catch in the third Test of the series against the West Indies. According to ESPNcricinfo, Crawley said, "With a wealth of alternatives both at bat and with the ball, we have a pretty deep group. We think we're ready. Regardless of the winning team, there will be a good balance. He seemed to be doing well and getting over his ailment. We're not sure yet. I think he needs to take a few more tests, but he's been doing some running and stuff."

Ollie Pope will continue to captain the team if Stokes is not included in the first Test. Additionally, Chris Woakes, who is vying to play his first overseas Test for England in 2.5 years, might be brought in and assigned to the No. 7 spot.

Watch this space for more cricket news.

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