PAK vs ENG: Olly Stone set to miss second Test for his wedding

England fast bowler Olly Stone will fly home from Pakistan on Wednesday to get married this weekend, making it unlikely that he will return in time for the second Test. Stone, who took seven wickets in two Tests against Sri Lanka earlier this year, was left out of England’s squad for the first Test in Multan, where Brydon Carse was chosen as the high-pace option.

Stone’s wedding had been planned long before his recall to the England squad. He spoke to England's managing director Rob Key and coach Brendon McCullum, who supported his decision to head home.

"We booked the wedding on the basis of me only playing for Notts at the time. Jess said she was happy to move the wedding and I was adamant on keeping it where it was if possible. For what she has given up and sacrificed for me, I thought the least I could do was to try and make it work," Stone said.

Stone’s return to the squad remains uncertain, depending on the fitness of England’s other fast bowlers. However, with his wedding set for Saturday and the second Test starting Tuesday, it seems unlikely he will feature.

England captain Joe Root expressed his support for Stone, saying, "It's a special time in anyone's life. I'm really excited for him. I'm sure he is all over the place with everything that's going on, but it'll be very special for him - and his wife - starting a different chapter in his life. We'll all be raising a cold water to him at some point, celebrating."