Ben Stokes Misses First Test in Pakistan as Carse Prepares for Debut

Ben Stokes Misses First Test in Pakistan, Brydon Carse to Debut for England

Ben Stokes’ much-anticipated return to the England side has been delayed as the captain confirmed he will miss the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. With Stokes sidelined, Ollie Pope will once again take the captain’s armband, continuing in the role he filled during the recent 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka.

While Stokes had been progressing well in his rehabilitation following a lengthy layoff, the all-rounder acknowledged that he isn’t quite ready to make his comeback. Speaking to BBC Sport, Stokes revealed, “I tried my hardest to get myself fit for this game, but have taken the call to miss this one because I’ve not quite managed to get game-ready.”

Carse Set for Test Debut

In a surprise move, Durham seamer Brydon Carse is set to make his Test debut. The 29-year-old has been brought into the side as a replacement for Stokes and will bring some much-needed pace to England’s attack. Carse’s inclusion is another indication of England’s desire to field a potent bowling line-up, particularly on the flat pitches of Pakistan.

Carse’s journey to this point has not been without its setbacks. He recently completed a three-month suspension for historical gambling offences but has made a swift return to the national side. Speaking about his inclusion, England batter Joe Root said, “He’s a natural wicket-taker. He’s got those balls in him that out of nowhere can make something happen.”

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Stokes Focuses on Second Test

Stokes has been out of action since early August, and his absence has been keenly felt. Despite optimism that he would be ready for the first Test, it seems the all-rounder is not yet at full fitness. “It’s always frustrating to miss out,” Stokes admitted, adding that his attention is now firmly on trying to return for the second Test, also in Multan.

The England captain was candid about his progress, noting, “I’ve pushed myself incredibly hard and worked really hard with the medical team to get to where I’m at now. I think I’m further ahead than what we expected.” However, whether Stokes will be fit enough to bowl in the second Test remains uncertain. “Bowling is in my 10-day plan from now until that next one,” he explained.

England’s Line-Up Without Stokes

England’s XI for the first Test sees Zak Crawley return to open the batting after missing the Sri Lanka series due to injury. He will partner Ben Duckett at the top of the order, with Ollie Pope slotting in at number three and leading the team in Stokes’ absence. Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Jamie Smith form the rest of the middle order, with Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson offering lower-order contributions.

Woakes’ inclusion marks his first overseas Test in over two years and his first in Asia since 2016. Alongside him, Carse will share new-ball duties, with Gus Atkinson providing additional pace in what will be a challenging task for the English seamers in temperatures expected to soar to 36°C. England’s spin options come in the form of Jack Leach, who returns after missing the Ashes through injury, and Shoaib Bashir.

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