Stokes Returns to Lead England’s Charge in Pakistan Test Tour
Stokes Returns to Lead England’s Charge in Pakistan Test Tour: Ben Stokes is set to return to the England Test squad for the upcoming tour of Pakistan, following his absence during the recent series victory against Sri Lanka. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a 17-member squad for the October tour, with Stokes named as captain. Stokes, who suffered a hamstring tear during the domestic tournament The Hundred last month, is continuing his recovery alongside Zak Crawley, who fractured his right little finger at Edgbaston in July.
Rehan Ahmed, a leg spinner who made his red-ball debut in Karachi during the previous Pakistan trip in December 2022, is also rejoining the squad. Rehan Ahmed is joined by fellow spinner Jack Leach, who will feature for the first time since playing in the opening Test against India in January this year.
Young pace bowler Josh Hull, who made his Test debut in the third match against Sri Lanka last Friday, has also been included in the squad. Hull, aged 20, is joined by the uncapped duo of Brydon Carse and batter Jordan Cox, both of whom are poised to make their Test debuts in Pakistan.
England’s squad for the Pakistan tour features eight players from the team that secured a 3-0 series win against Pakistan in 2022. Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Stokes himself return, adding experience and depth to the lineup.
Squad for Pakistan Tour:
- Ben Stokes (c)
- 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
Venue announcements for the series are anticipated later this week from the Pakistan Cricket Board. The tour will be a crucial test for the England side, aiming to build on their recent successes and continue their strong form in the Test format.
