England will head into the first Test against Pakistan in Multan without their regular captain Ben Stokes, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Stokes injured his hamstring over two months ago while playing in The Hundred, and though he has made progress, he is not yet ready to return to the field.
In Stokes’ absence, Ollie Pope will captain the side, marking his first away Test as captain and his fourth consecutive match in charge. He successfully led England to a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka at home last month.
The fast bowling lineup for England in this Test will include debutant Brydon Carse, who has 127 first-class wickets at an average of 33.78 in 48 matches. He will be joined by Chris Woakes, who will play his first overseas Test in two-and-a-half years, and Gus Atkinson, who made his Test debut this summer. Carse enters the series fresh from playing all five ODIs against Australia, where he took eight wickets.
This match will also mark the first time that these three fast bowlers play a first-class match in Pakistan. Zak Crawley, known for his aggressive 111-ball 122 during England’s record-breaking innings against Pakistan in Rawalpindi in 2022, will return to open the batting with Ben Duckett. Crawley missed the Sri Lanka series due to a finger injury sustained while fielding in the slips during the last of the three Tests against West Indies.
In the spin department, England will rely on off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and left-arm orthodox Jack Leach. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes was seen participating in shuttle runs and batting in the nets during a training session, suggesting he is working his way back to fitness. However, he has made it clear that he will not rush his return, given the risk of re-injuring his hamstring.
The second Test will also be played in Multan, starting on 15 October, and England hopes that Stokes will be fit to make his return by then. The first Test begins on Monday, and the third Test is scheduled for 24 October in Rawalpindi.
England squad for the first Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse (debut), Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.