Ben Stokes Ruled Out Of First Test Against Pakistan In Multan

Ben Stokes in England's training session (Source: @AmeerHamzaAsif/X.com)Ben Stokes in England's training session (Source: @AmeerHamzaAsif/X.com)

Ben Stokes, the regular English Test skipper has confirmed that he is not fit to play the opening Test against Pakistan. The all-rounder revealed the details after England's training session on Saturday and in his absence, Ollie Pope will continue as the captain. The first Test between England and Pakistan is scheduled to start on October 7 and will be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Ben Stokes is currently recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered during the Hundred 2024. He missed the Sri Lanka Test series after that injury and though he has started both bowling and batting in the nets, he seems to be in no hurry to make his international comeback. He, however, looks set to make his comeback in the second Test which will be also played in Multan from 15th of October.

England Favourite To Hunt Down Pakistan

England have six Tests lined-up till the end of the year and Ben Stokes with a long history of injuries is taking a cautious approach in a bid to give himself the best chance of playing most of those Tests. In Ben Stokes' absence, Chris Woakes would don the role of a seam-bowling all-rounder and is set to play his first Test in Asia since 2016.

The first Test also provides an opportunity for Ollie Pope to increase his stature as a leader in international cricket. He led England in the the series against Sri Lanka recently which they won by 2-1 margin. England also have fond memories of their last tour to Pakistan where they whitewashed Babar Azam and co. Pakistan are currently going through an even tougher time and England look favourites to notch up another series win in the subcontinent.