Captain Ben Stokes is set to return to the England Test side for their upcoming tour of Pakistan in October, after missing this month’s series victory against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring tear. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a 17-member squad for the three-match series, which starts on October 7.
Stokes, who sustained his injury during the domestic tournament The Hundred, continues his recovery alongside Zak Crawley, who is also making his return after fracturing his finger in July. Both players are key additions to the squad.
Spinner Rehan Ahmed, who debuted in Karachi during England’s last tour of Pakistan in December 2022, will join the squad once again. Jack Leach is also returning after missing out since the opening Test against India earlier this year. The squad features several fresh faces, including the uncapped Brydon Carse and batter Jordan Cox.
Josh Hull, who made his debut in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, has also been included, further bolstering England’s bowling options. The squad retains several players from the 2022 series against Pakistan, which England won 3-0, such as Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root.
The Pakistan Cricket Board is expected to announce the venues for the series soon.
England Men’s Test 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
England will aim to build on their recent success with a strong performance in Pakistan.
