Ben Stokes Set to Rejoin England Test Squad for Pakistan Tour
In an exciting development for cricket fans, Captain Ben Stokes is set to make his return to the England Test team as they prepare for their tour of Pakistan this October. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially announced a 17-member squad on Tuesday, with the first match scheduled to commence on October 7.
Stokes and Crawley Make Comebacks
Stokes had been sidelined during the recent series against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring injury he incurred while participating in The Hundred tournament back in August. Fortunately, he is currently on the mend and readying himself for competitive play once again. Alongside him, Zak Crawley will also be making his comeback after being out of action since July due to a fractured little finger.
The ECB noted, “Zak Crawley rejoins the squad following his absence since the West Indies series in July. Captain Ben Stokes has also been included as he continues his recovery from a hamstring tear,” according to reports from Reuters.
New Faces Join Established Players
The squad features spinner Rehan Ahmed, who made an impressive debut during England’s last visit to Pakistan in December 2022. Jack Leach is another notable inclusion; he last played in January during the opening Test against India.
Additionally, Josh Hull—who recently debuted against Sri Lanka—will be part of this lineup along with uncapped players Brydon Carse and Jordan Cox. This blend of experience and fresh talent aims to strengthen England’s chances in what promises to be an exhilarating series.
Retaining Core Strength from Previous Successes
Eight members from England’s victorious squad that toured Pakistan last year are returning for this series: Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and captain Ben Stokes himself. Their familiarity with conditions will undoubtedly provide an advantage as they face off against their opponents once more.
The venues where these matches will take place are anticipated to be disclosed by the Pakistan Cricket Board later this week—a detail that fans eagerly await as preparations ramp up for what could be a thrilling contest between two competitive teams.
