Due to ongoing hamstring problems, England Test captain Ben Stokes is doubtful for the second Test against Pakistan. It has been almost two years since Stokes sustained an injury. He acknowledged that he was left out of the first Test in Multan, and he may be available for the second game as well, according to certain reports.
Since then, the all-rounder has been unable to play due to knee issues that returned during The Hundred 2024 competition.
In spite of his intense rehabilitation, Ben Stokes acknowledged on Saturday that he was still not totally recovered.
“I made every effort to prepare for this first game, but I’ve decided to miss it. I still haven’t exactly gotten ready for the game. My rehabilitation program involves a lot of requirements. Stokes stated, “We’ve reached a certain point, but considering the bigger picture of what we have coming up and where I am physically, I’m not quite ready to play,” as cited by Sky Sport.
Pakistan has had a great start to the first Test.
In order to maintain their aspirations of winning the championship, England must win all six Tests in the 2023–25 WTC cycle, which could be challenging without Stokes in the lineup. In the first Test, Pakistan chose to bat first after winning the toss, applying early pressure on the visiting team.
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After an early setback, Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood formed a great partnership, and the home squad is off to a good start. Pakistan’s score after 59 overs of play is 260/1, with Shafique and Masood on 102 and 150, respectively, at the bat.