PAK vs ENG: England playing XI announced for the 2nd Test

Regular captain Ben Stokes is set to make his highly anticipated return to the England Test side following a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the first Test in Multan earlier this week. It has taken nearly two months for the star all-rounder to fully recover, and his return is seen as a significant boost for the team. Stokes will replace pacer Chris Woakes, who has been the team's current bowling spearhead. In addition to Stokes' return, the England side has announced another key change. Pacer Gus Atkinson will be rested, paving the way for promising youngster Matthew Potts to step into the playing XI. This decision comes as part of the England Cricket Board's strategy to manage player workloads and ensure the best possible performance in the upcoming match.

The Three Lions are preparing for the second Test, which is set to take place at the same venue, Multan. With Stokes back in action and Potts joining the squad, England aims to bounce back and showcase a more formidable side. The combination of experience and youthful energy could play a crucial role as they look to secure a victory in this challenging series against Pakistan. As the team readies itself for the second Test, all eyes will be on Stokes to see how his leadership and performance can impact the game.

Pakistan faced a shocking defeat despite posting over 550 runs in their first innings. Compounding their woes, it has been revealed that the strip for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) fixture will be the same one used previously, which has undergone extensive watering and then dried under the scorching sun during the last two days of practice. As a result, expectations are high that this surface will significantly favor spinners, contrasting sharply with the first match where the pitch offered excellent conditions for batting.

The shift in playing conditions could dramatically alter the strategies for both teams. Spinners are anticipated to play a crucial role in the upcoming match, possibly shifting the balance of power. Pakistan, having struggled in the first Test, will need to adapt quickly to the changing conditions if they wish to bounce back. With the team facing intense pressure to perform, the effectiveness of their spin bowlers may prove vital in their quest for redemption. As the WTC fixture approaches, all eyes will be on how the conditions evolve and how both teams adjust their game plans to maximize their chances of success.

Ben Stokes has resumed bowling in England's training sessions and is expected to take on the role of the third seamer for the team. Alongside Stokes and Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, his teammate from Durham, will share the bowling duties in the second Test. Former England legend and bowling consultant James Anderson noted that the pitch is likely to provide significant assistance to spin bowlers, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.

In the first Test at Multan, England's seamers faced grueling conditions, bowling long spells in intense heat, yet managed to secure a resounding victory by an innings. Together, Chris Woakes, Carse, and Gus Atkinson bowled an impressive 112 overs during the match. Prior to the Pakistan tour, both Atkinson and Woakes had played in all six home Tests, leading to their resting as part of workload management. Interestingly, Carse is set to play a crucial role as he returns from a ban that kept him out of action from June to August. Meanwhile, Ben Duckett's availability is in question after he dislocated his thumb while fielding in the first innings of the first Test, adding another layer of uncertainty for the English lineup.

England Playing XI for 2nd Test against Pakistan

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.

⬅️ Gus Atkinson
⬅️ Chris Woakes

➡️ Matt Potts
➡️ Ben Stokes

Full focus on securing the series win 👊 pic.twitter.com/wUU8gD6q4g

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 14, 2024