England Await Ben Stokes’ Fitness Ahead of Pakistan Test Series
England captain Ben Stokes is set to undergo a crucial scan on his hamstring injury next week, as the team prepares for their upcoming Test series against Pakistan. The 33-year-old all-rounder has been sidelined since early August, missing the 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka, and his fitness remains a central concern for England’s hopes of success in the subcontinent.
Stokes has been working hard to recover, having spent time in the nets during his lay-off, including an extended session at Durham’s Chester-le-Street. Despite his injury, Stokes has managed to stay active, recently participating in the Celebrity Pro-Am at the PGA Championship golf event at Wentworth. However, his upcoming scan will provide a clearer picture of his readiness for the first Test, scheduled to begin on 7 October.
Careful Management of Stokes’ Return
England are understandably cautious about rushing Stokes back into action, particularly given the severity of his hamstring issue. Stokes himself has emphasised the importance of patience, telling ESPN Cricinfo that he would rather take extra time to ensure a full recovery than risk a more serious setback. “I’d rather take an extra two weeks than run the risk of potentially doing something worse and then putting myself out of the game for longer,” he said.
The scan is not a reaction to any further injury but rather a routine part of monitoring his recovery. Stokes has made it clear that he is doing everything within his control to be fit for the first Test. His return would be a major boost for England, who rely heavily on his all-round abilities as both a leader and a player.
Selection Dilemmas If Stokes Is Limited
England’s management will face a tricky selection issue if Stokes is only able to bat but not bowl during the series. The balance of the team becomes a challenge without his contributions with the ball, and England will need to decide how best to structure their side.
During the series against Sri Lanka, when Stokes was unavailable, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith was moved up to bat at number six, allowing England to include an extra bowler. Should Stokes be fit to bat but not bowl, this option could be reconsidered. However, it might mean batting Stokes in the top five, which could result in one of England’s regular top-order players being dropped.
An alternative approach could see England revert to a four-bowler strategy, with Joe Root providing supplementary off-spin—a tactic they employed earlier this year when Stokes was managing a knee injury during the series in India. While not ideal, this solution would enable England to maintain a strong bowling attack without overloading Root’s responsibilities.
Ollie Pope’s Role as Stand-In Captain
If Stokes is ultimately ruled out of the first Test, Ollie Pope is expected to continue deputising as captain. Pope filled this role during the Sri Lanka series and is regarded as a capable leader with a growing reputation. Nevertheless, England will be hoping that Stokes can make a full recovery in time to lead his side in what promises to be a highly competitive series in Pakistan.
With the squad set to depart on 1 October, there is still time for Stokes to prove his fitness, but England will be mindful of the need for contingency plans. The leadership dynamic, particularly in subcontinental conditions, will be crucial, and Pope’s experience in Sri Lanka could prove invaluable if Stokes remains sidelined.
Uncertainty Over Venues for Pakistan Series
Adding to England’s preparations is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the venues for the three-match series. Initially, the Tests were scheduled to take place in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan. However, building work in Karachi has cast doubt over the availability of the stadium, with speculation that the series could be shifted to the United Arab Emirates.
Recent reports suggest that the matches will remain in Pakistan, though one of Rawalpindi or Multan may host two of the Tests. England’s last visit to Pakistan, in 2022, ended in an unprecedented 3-0 series win, the first time a visiting team had achieved such a clean sweep. The challenge this time around will be no less formidable, and having Stokes fit and available will be key to England’s chances of repeating their success.