England‘s cricket captain Ben Stokes has been officially ruled out of the first Test match against Pakistan due to his ongoing recovery from a torn hamstring injury. Stokes incurred this injury while participating in The Hundred tournament in August, forcing him to miss England’s recent successful series against Sri Lanka, where the team secured a 2-1 victory.

Ben Stokes’ recovery status and impact

Stokes had been hopeful about returning to lead his side onto the field in Multan for the highly anticipated Test, scheduled for Monday. However, after a training session on Saturday, he confirmed that he has not yet achieved full fitness necessary to compete. This absence is a significant blow for England, given Stokes’ reputation as one of the finest all-rounders in the game, known for his exceptional skills both with the bat and ball, as well as his leadership qualities.

Adjustments to the England squad

With Stokes unavailable, veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes is set to step in, making his first appearance in an overseas Test match in over two years. His last Test played in Asia was back in 2016, marking this as a notable return for the experienced bowler. Additionally, Brydon Carse is in line to earn his Test debut, which showcases England’s willingness to infuse new talent into the squad amid challenges.

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Ollie Pope to lead in Stokes’ absence

In light of Stokes’ absence, wicketkeeper-batter Ollie Pope will take the reins as captain for the fourth consecutive match. Pope has already proven himself capable, successfully leading the team through their recent series against Sri Lanka. The England squad, while grappling with the loss of their captain, remains determined to put forth a strong performance against Pakistan, aiming to build on their recent success and establish a foothold in the series.

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