PAK v ENG 2024: Ben Stokes doubtful for first Test against Pakistan, Zak Crawley declared fit

England Test captain Ben Stokes remains doubtful for the first Test against Pakistan in Multan starting Monday (Oct 10). Opener Zak Crawley, who missed the Sri Lanka series due to a broken finger, is declared fit for the series opener.

Stokes suffered a hamstring injury while playing in The Hundred in August, missing the home Sri Lanka series that followed, which England won 2-1 under the stand-in captain Ollie Pope. If Stokes remains out of contention for the first game, Pope will continue to lead the team, with the seasoned campaigner Chris Woakes expected to come in for Stokes.

Woakes’ inclusion will help him press his case for the next home summer against India (at home) and, more importantly, for the away summer Ashes late in 2025.

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Meanwhile, Crawley is confirmed to return to the playing XI for the first game, with the attacking opener admitting that England is placed well in Stokes’ absence.

"We've got a really deep squad, with plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well. We feel ready. Whatever team comes out, it will be a nice balance either way,” Crawley said ahead of the first Test against Pakistan.

While England might name their final playing XI around two days before the start of the series, as has become customary for them, Crawley said the management will take a late call on Stokes’ inclusion.

"He seems to be going well, recovering well from his injury. We don't know just yet. I think he's got to do a few more tests, but he's been doing some running and stuff,” Crawley continued.

Crawley suggests a new fielding position post-recovery

Zak Crawley broke his finger while attempting to take a catch during the West Indies Test series earlier in July, missing all competitive action since. Though he admits not feeling any pain while batting in the nets, Crawley suggested changing his fielding position for the Pakistan series.

"The finger is all right," Crawley said.

"It's as good as it could be at this stage. I've recovered well from it. It was a nasty break at the time, but I've recovered well, and I don't feel it at all while I'm batting. In the field, I haven't done too much. I'm trying to rest it, but I did a few catches there [in training] and it feels fine.

"I won't go at slip, just from advice from the doctor. I feel like I could, but I'm just trying to follow the professional advice. It feels back to normal now, so I'm looking forward to cracking on… I feel brand new. I'm looking forward to getting out there. I've certainly missed it, so I can't wait to get out there again with the boys,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Multan will host the first two Tests, and Rawalpindi will host the final match of the series.

(With inputs from agencies)