England faces uncertainty over Ben Stokes’ fitness for opening Test against Pakistan

Stokes participated in England’s initial training session but bowled only a few gentle deliveries and appeared uncomfortable during his batting practice

PHOTO: AFP

England could be without captain Ben Stokes for next week’s opening Test in Pakistan, as his fitness remains uncertain following a hamstring injury.

Stokes sustained the injury in August while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred and missed England’s recent three-match series against Sri Lanka, with Ollie Pope stepping in as captain.

Although the English all-rounder had hoped to make his return in the first Test in Multan, he has yet to receive medical clearance. He participated in England’s initial training session but bowled only a few gentle deliveries and appeared uncomfortable during his batting practice.

Zak Crawley, speaking to the media ahead of the Test series, provided an update on Ben Stokes' condition, said: “I think he’s got to do a few more tests, but he’s been doing some running and stuff.

“He seems to be going well, recovering well from his injury, (but) we don’t know just yet. We feel ready, whatever team comes out it will be a nice balance either way.

“We’ve got a really deep squad with plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well.”

If Stokes is unable to play, England could face a challenging selection decision. The team might need to sacrifice one of their top six batsmen to maintain a balanced lineup, especially if Stokes is limited to playing as a specialist batter.

Crawley, meanwhile, has recovered from his own injury—a broken finger suffered against West Indies—and is ready for action. Though he’ll avoid fielding in the slips for now, he has resumed batting and feels prepared for the series.

“I feel brand new. I’m looking forward to getting out there,” he said. “I couldn’t pick up a bat for five weeks. I’ve certainly missed it, so I can’t wait to get out there again with the boys.

“It was a nasty break at the time but I’ve recovered well and I don’t feel it at all while I’m batting."

Crawley’s enforced break has kept him out of competitive action since July 26, but despite the lack of warm-up matches ahead of the Test series, he feels fully prepared and ready to perform.

“I always think of it like I’ve been preparing for this my whole life,” he said. “It’s not like I need two weeks to prepare, because this is something I’ve been doing since I was 12 years old. I’m always ready to play. That’s just what I do.”

“I won’t go at slip, just from advice from the doctor, but I feel like I could. I’m trying to rest it but I did a few catches and it feels fine. I’m just trying to follow the professional advice.”

It is worth noting that the three-match red-ball format series between Pakistan and England is set to begin on October 7th in Multan. The national team aims to make a positive comeback following a disappointing 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh.

England squad for Pakistan Test series: Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

Pakistan, England Test series schedule: