Ben Stokes Rejoins England Squad for Pakistan Test Series

Ben Stokes will undergo a scan on his hamstring injury next week. England is waiting to see if their captain will be fit for the first Test in Pakistan. Stokes injured his hamstring at the start of August and missed the 2-1 series defeat against Sri Lanka.

Despite his injury, Stokes has been practicing. He had a long net session at Durham’s Chester-le-Street last week and recently played in the Celebrity Pro-Am at the PGA Championship golf at Wentworth. The scan is a routine check to monitor his recovery, not a response to a new setback.

The first Test in the three-match series is set to start on October 7. Earlier in September, Stokes told ESPN Cricinfo that he would be cautious about his return. He preferred to take extra time to avoid further injury. “I’d rather take an extra two weeks than risk a worse injury and be out longer,” he said. “I’m making sure to do everything I can to be fit for the first Test.”

Even with his injury, Stokes has been named captain of the 17-man squad departing on October 1. If he cannot play in the first Test, Ollie Pope will continue as captain. During Stokes’ absence in the Sri Lanka series, England adjusted their lineup by moving wicketkeeper Jamie Smith to number six and adding an extra bowler.

If Stokes can only bat, England will face a selection dilemma. They might have to choose between including Stokes in the top five or adjusting their bowling lineup. England could return to four frontline bowlers with Joe Root providing off-spin, a strategy used earlier this year when Stokes missed bowling due to a knee injury in India.