Ben Stokes Out of ENG vs PAK 1st Test

ENG Vs PAK, 1st Test: Ben Stokes Ruled Out of First Test Against Pakistan

Ben Stokes has been officially ruled out of England’s first Test against Pakistan in Multan as he continues his recovery from a torn hamstring. After training on Saturday, Stokes confirmed he is not yet fully fit, having sustained the injury two months ago while participating in The Hundred.

In Stokes’ absence, Chris Woakes is set to make his first overseas Test appearance in two-and-a-half years, while Brydon Carse will debut in the format. Ollie Pope will captain England for the fourth consecutive match, having led the team to a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka last month.

Stokes’ Recovery Efforts

“I tried my hardest to get myself fit for this first game, but we’ve decided to miss this one. I’m not quite ready to play,” Stokes explained. He spent the first part of England’s training session doing shuttle runs with strength and conditioning coach Peter Sim, followed by batting practice against spin bowlers and throwdowns.

Stokes now aims to return for the second Test in ten days. “I’ve pushed myself incredibly hard,” he said, highlighting the extensive effort he has made with the medical team to progress in his rehabilitation. “Whatever sport you play, you’re going to get injuries. I’m 33 now, and I know my body has been through a lot.”

Potential Return as a Specialist Batter

If Stokes is fit for the second Test, he may only participate as a specialist batter. He mentioned it’s “too far away” to determine his bowling readiness but is committed to integrating it back into his training plan over the next ten days.

England’s Confirmed XI

England announced their playing XI for the first Test, which features two specialist spinners: Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir. Gus Atkinson has recovered from a thigh injury and will play in his first overseas Test after impressing during the English summer.

Carse secured his spot in the seam attack over Olly Stone and Matthew Potts, both of whom played against Sri Lanka last month. His impressive pace and superior batting skills have given him the edge. “He’s a natural wicket-taker,” Joe Root praised Carse. “He can make things happen, even on flat wickets.”

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Carse’s Journey to Test Debut

Carse, 29, was born and raised in South Africa but qualified for England through his ancestry in 2019. He will become England’s sixth Test debutant of the year, following Tom Hartley, Bashir, Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Josh Hull. He is set to bat at No. 9, just below Atkinson.

England’s XI: