Ben Stokes returns as England announces squad for Pakistan Tour

England recently registered a 2-1 series win against Sri Lanka in the home Tests. The series had Ollie Pope leading the English team as Ben Stokes tended to a hamstring injury which he picked during the Hundred series. However, the all-rounder has apparently recovered from the injury as he has been named in the England squad for the upcoming Test tour against Pakistan. England has announced a 17-man squad for their October tour of Pakistan with Ben Stokes reclaiming his captaincy position. Apart from Stokes, opener Zak Crawley, who missed the Sri Lanka series due to an injury to his hand, has been included in the squad for the Pakistan Test series.

Ben Stokes, Zak Crawley named in England squad for Pakistan Tour

However, with Crawley’s inclusion in the team, Dan Lawrence, who filled in for Crawley during the Sri Lanka series, has been dropped from the squad for the away series. As suggested by the developments made by ECB, Crawley, is making notable progress in his recovery.  Notably, the opening batter has not played Test cricket since July. As for Stokes, who missed the Sri Lanka series due to a hamstring injury sustained during The Hundred, is also expected to return.

The squad, furthermore, features two uncapped players: Brydon Carse and Jordan Cox. Interestinly, for Carse the Pakistan series will be his first feature in the team after the conclusion of his suspension. The bowling all-rounder was suspended on betting charges with the suspension being in effect till August 28th. While this would be his first foray in red-ball cricket for England, Carse made his ODI debut for England in 2021. 

For the bowling lineup, England has appointed legspinner to fortify the spin department along with the seasoned Jack Leach. While a reliable spinnner for England, Leach has not played a Test since Enngland concluded the India tour earlier this year. Thus, Rehan Ahmed is likely to play a significant role in the subcontinental condition.

Mark Wood will miss out on the tour as he recently developed a stress injury in his elbow. Consequently, Josh Hull, who debuted in the final Test against Sri Lanka has been named in the squad. Apart from these changes, the squad largely consists of players from the 2-1 series win against Sri Lanka. This tour marks England's first visit to Pakistan since their series victory there in 2022, with eight members of that victorious team included once again.

England squad for Pakistan Tour: Ben Stokes, 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