Pak vs Eng, 2nd Test: Ben Stokes returns from injury as England announce playing XI vs underfire hosts

On Monday (Oct 14), England announced their playing XI for the second and penultimate Test versus Pakistanin Multan, with regular captain Ben Stokes making a comeback from a hamstring injury. Further, pacer Matthew Potts is also part of the XI, replacing Gus Atkinson. Thus, Stokes returns for his first Test since missing England's home series versus Sri Lanka. He got injured during The Hundred, and, as a result, missed the Lanka series before the end of the English summer. Talking about the first Test versus Pakistan, in Multan, Ollie Pope-led side thrashed the home team by an innings and 47 runs.

England squad for 2nd Test:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (w), Matthew Potts, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir

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England have removed Woakes and Atkinson from the XI. The latter bowled 39 overs in the series opener, also held in Multan, whereas Woakes bowled 38. With the same kind of surface expected for the second Test, which will favour the batters, England have decided to rest the duo, who has played all the matches in England’s home summer so far, and, thus, Potts comes in for Atkinson whereas Stokes replaces Woakes.

Meanwhile, opener Ben Duckett -- whodislocated his thumb while fielding in the first innings of the Multan Test, and came in later at No 4, has retained his spot at the top.Jamie Smith, on the other hand, is expected tobe back atNo. 7 to accommodate Stokes in his preferred No. 6 position.

The first Test saw Shan Masood-led Pakistan lose by an innings despite posting 556 after opting to bat first. In response, England smashed 823/7 -- the fourth-highest score in Test cricket -- and dismissed the hosts for 220 to earn a stunning win. Harry Brook (317) and Joe Root (262) were the standout performers for England.Batters will once again be expected to shine bright at the same venue in the second Test.