LONDON: England Test captain Ben Stokes returned to lead the team for their upcoming three-Test tour of Pakistan, which is set to commence on October 7 in Multan. Stokes’ inclusion marks his comeback after missing England’s recent 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka due to a hamstring injury.
In a squad announcement on Tuesday, Stokes was confirmed as captain, bringing stability to the leadership role he had to vacate temporarily. Opener Zak Crawley, who also missed the Sri Lanka series due to a broken finger, is included in the touring party, adding strength to England’s top order.
The tour will be crucial for England as they aim to continue their strong performances in Test cricket.
Among the notable selections, Brydon Carse is poised to make his Test debut. Carse, a bowling all-rounder, has recently returned to action after serving a three-month ban for historical breaches of betting rules. The 29-year-old, who has 17 white-ball internationals to his name, could play a key role following the year-ending elbow injury to Durham teammate Mark Wood.
Another fresh face in the squad is Jordan Cox, who, like Carse, is yet to make his Test debut. The 17-man squad also includes several players who were part of England’s historic 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan in 2022.
Josh Hull, a promising young left-arm fast bowler, retains his place, while Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed, who were instrumental in the previous series against Pakistan, are recalled. Leach, who had been overshadowed by Shoaib Bashir this season, will be joined by Ahmed to form the frontline spin options for Stokes.
Dan Lawrence, who filled in as a makeshift opener during the Sri Lanka series, has been dropped from the squad.
England Squad for Three-match Test Tour of Pakistan
Ben Stokes (captain), 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.
