Ben Stokes doubtful for first Pakistan Test

England's Test captain Ben Stokes’ participation in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan remains uncertain as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury. 

Stokes, 33, sustained the injury in August while playing for the Northern Superchargers during The Hundred 2024.

The injury forced him out of cricket for the remainder of the summer, including England's home Test series against Sri Lanka.

Despite the injury, Ben Stokes was named in the squad for the Pakistan tour, with hopes pinned on his recovery progress. 

While he resumed light batting practice in late August and had extensive net sessions in September, his fitness remains a concern for the ECB. 

After arriving in Pakistan, he participated in England’s first training session, batting for half an hour and bowling with a short run-up. However, his availability for the first Test is still uncertain, and the final decision is yet to be made.

Squads:

Pakistan: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper), and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

England: Ben Stokes (C), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.