Stokes Returns for Second Test as England Eyes Series Win Against Pakistan
It has been confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that England captain Ben Stokes will make his return for the second Test against Pakistan after recovering from a hamstring injury that had sidelined him for four matches. Stokes, who got injured in August while playing in The Hundred, missed England's dominant innings-and-47-run victory in the first Test.
Stokes will replace Chris Woakes, while fast bowler Matthew Potts also returns to the squad, replacing Gus Atkinson. Potts, who has not played since August, will add fresh legs to England's pace attack.
Speaking ahead of the match, Stokes said he had tested his fitness rigorously before deciding to return. "I’ve put myself through quite a lot of high-intensity stuff... to make sure I was confident within myself and over the rest of my body," he said, adding that he's "good to go" for the second Test.
England is aiming to secure a second consecutive series win in Pakistan after their 3-0 sweep in 2022. If they win this Test, it will seal the series, building on their impressive start in the opening match.
Match to be played on the same pitch as the first Test
The match will be played on the same pitch that hosted the first Test, an unusual decision by the Pakistan team. The surface, which saw massive scores in the first game—556 by Pakistan and 823-7 declared by England—was largely flat, favouring the batsmen.
Pakistan's decision to reuse the pitch is likely aimed at giving bowlers a better chance on a worn surface, hoping for more assistance as they try to bounce back in the series.
Stokes acknowledged that using home conditions to their advantage is something every team would do in a similar situation.
"We would probably be going to our groundsmen saying ‘can we have a bit more of this, bit more of that’," he said.
With the worn pitch expected to favour spin, Stokes said he would manage his own bowling workload carefully but confirmed he was available to bowl when needed.
Pakistan drops former captain Azam in major changes ahead of match
Pakistan, meanwhile, has made significant changes to their squad, dropping former captain Babar Azam and pace duo Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The host team’s selection committee, including captain Shan Masood and coach Jason Gillespie, held a long discussion before settling on their final squad. These changes indicate a strategy shift as Pakistan looks to level the series.
With both teams making adjustments, the second Test in Multan promises to offer a different challenge on the familiar pitch. The match begins on Tuesday, with England in a strong position but Pakistan eager to make a comeback.
