Ben Stokes Returns As England Announces Playing XI for 2nd Test Against Pakistan. Check Full Squad

Captain Ben Stokes will make his much-anticipated return to the England team as they prepare for the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, starting on October 15, 2024.

Stokes had been absent from the last four Tests, which included the entire series against Sri Lanka and the first match of the ongoing series.

Having rested for the first match, Stokes contributed to the team’s morale by bringing drinks to his teammates.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed his return on Monday, stating that the captain has fully recovered from the hamstring tear that sidelined him since late August.

In addition to Stokes, seam bowler Matthew Potts will also rejoin the squad, while Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes have been rested for this Test.

Potts returns to the lineup for the first time since the Lord’s Test against Sri Lanka at the end of August.

England’s Playing XI for the 2nd Test:

• Zak Crawley
• Ben Duckett
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Harry Brook
• Ben Stokes (C)
• Jamie Smith
• Brydon Carse
• Matt Potts
• Jack Leach
• Shoaib Bashir

Pakistan’s Squad Changes

In contrast, Pakistan has made significant changes to their squad for the remainder of the series, dropping key players including Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah.

These alterations signal a strategic shift as they aim to regroup and regain momentum in the series.

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Looking Ahead

The second Test in Multan is set to be a crucial encounter for both teams as they look to assert dominance in this tightly contested series. Stokes’ return is expected to bolster England’s chances, while Pakistan will be keen to rebound after the recent squad changes.

As the teams gear up for the clash, fans are eager to see how the new dynamics will play out on the field.

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