He received a big blow ahead of the first Test against the England National Cricket Team Pakistan National Cricket Team. Skipper Ben Stokes will miss the opening match of the series between the teams to be played at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Multan from October 7.
Ben Stokes himself confirmed on Saturday (October 5) that he will not play the first game of the three-match series against Pakistan. The all-rounder noted that he is yet to regain full fitness after picking up an injury while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred 2024.
Ben Stokes missed the entire three-match Test series against the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team following this injury and was expected to be fit for the Pakistan series. The all-rounder has been training well enough for the team but is likely to be cautious with a couple of crucial tests around the corner.
Ben Stokes was seen grinding hard in the nets ahead of the first Test against the Pakistan National Cricket Team. The all-rounder was seen running alongside strength and conditioning coach Peter Sim during the first 45 minutes of England’s training session.
After that, Stokes hit the net comfortably. He was seen facing blows from Rehan Ahmed and local net bowlers as well as England’s coaching staff. However, he is careful not to rush and not injure himself.
I pushed myself incredibly hard – Ben Stokes
Speaking about his recovery, Ben Stokes said that he will work hard to be ready for the next game. He explained (as quoted by ESPNCricinfo):
“I’ve pushed myself incredibly hard. I’ve worked really hard with the medical staff to get to where I am now. I think today I’m further than we expected. Look, I’m going to work hard. It’s hard to give myself a chance to try and be fit for the next 10 days.
“No matter what sport you play, you’re going to get injured. I’m 33 now, so I’ve put a lot of weight on my body. I’ve worked incredibly hard in the last two years: I know I’m getting older, so it’s not for lack of effort, it’s every time It’s one of those things you put yourself at risk for when you go out for an injury.”
Chris Woakes will play in the absence of Ben Stokes in his first PAK vs ENG 1st Test
with Ben Stokes, who was ruled out of the first Pakistan Test and Chris Woakes, will play his first test overseas in two-and-a-half years and his first in Asia since 2016. will want to influence the upcoming game.
Additionally, Brydon Carse will make his Test debut as England have announced their playing XI for the first Test. Jack Leach, who played his last game against India, was also included in the team. The team, which will be captained by Ollie Pope in the absence of Ben Stokes, also includes Zach Crowley, who missed the Sri Lanka series.
England playing 11 in first Test against Pakistan:
Zach Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brooke, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse (Debut), Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir
 himself, confirmed that he won't be playing the first of the three-match series against Pakistan){kind=link}