Ben Stokes is likely to return to England’s line-up for the second Test against Pakistan on Tuesday after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Stokes has been out for the last four Tests after tearing his hamstring during The Hundred in August. However, the England captain has been diligently working on his fitness and is expected to rejoin the team following their remarkable victory in Multan. If selected, Stokes will resume the captaincy from Ollie Pope, who has led England to three wins in four Tests. England’s bowling consultant, Jimmy Anderson, stated that Stokes is eager to play, having only been able to serve drinks during the first Test.
“He looks fantastic,” Anderson told BBC Sport. “He’s worked hard on his fitness and is as strong as I’ve ever seen him. Knowing Ben, once he’s in the game, there’ll be no stopping him. He’s ready to go, and we’ll see what he does.”
The second Test will be held on the same pitch in Multan, and Pakistan has taken an unusual approach by reusing the surface in a desperate attempt to end a streak of six consecutive losses and 11 home Tests without a win.
Ex-England cricketer Kevin Pietersen labeled the wicket a “bowlers’ graveyard” after England’s massive 823-7 in the first innings. Pakistan hopes the surface, which endured 353.3 overs of play last week, will now favor spinners. Their plan became evident when large fans were brought in to dry the wicket, and head coach Jason Gillespie and captain Shan Masood closely examined it after it was watered. Gillespie was later seen discussing the conditions with the head curator, Tony Hemming, as Pakistan prepared for critical selection decisions.
Reports suggest that Babar Azam may be dropped, having gone 18 innings without a half-century. Pakistan’s gamble on a worn pitch is further complicated by the absence of Abrar Ahmed, their key spinner from the first Test, who is hospitalized. Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are being considered for selection.
Meanwhile, England will rely on Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir, with Joe Root as a third spin option. Rehan Ahmed is another possibility, depending on how much Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum believe the pitch will turn. England had anticipated a different surface for the second Test after impressive performances by Root and Harry Brook.
“The ball is in their court,” said Chris Woakes. “In a home series, after losing the first match, you’d expect the next two pitches to offer results—whether they’re green or turners. We’ll see.”
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