England will commence their Test series against Pakistan without their regular captain, Ben Stokes, who is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during a Hundred match over two months ago.
Ollie Pope, who successfully led England to a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka at home last month, will once again take the helm for the team. This will be his fourth Test captaincy overall and his first away assignment in this role.
The English squad will also feature a Test debut for fast bowler Brydon Carse, who has impressed in limited-overs cricket. Chris Woakes, returning to overseas Test action after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, and Gus Atkinson, who made his Test debut earlier this summer, will also be part of the pace attack.
Zak Crawley, who made a significant impact in England’s record-breaking innings against Pakistan in Rawalpindi last year, will return to the opening slot alongside Ben Duckett. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and left-arm orthodox Jack Leach will provide spin options for the team.
Stokes, although participating in training sessions, has indicated that he will not rush his return due to the high risk of reinjury with hamstring injuries. The second Test, also in Multan, begins on October 15, and there is hope that Stokes might be fit to return for that match.
England Squad for the First Test:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope (C)
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jamie Smith
- Chris Woakes
- Gus Atkinson
- Brydon Carse (Debut)
- Jack Leach
- Shoaib Bashir
