Ben Stokes Ruled Out, Ollie Pope To Lead England In Multan Test Against Pakistan

Ollie Pope will captain the England team in the first Test against Pakistan, which is set to begin on October 7 in Multan, as Ben Stokes remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Stokes has been unable to fully recover, leading to Pope taking over the captaincy, a role he previously filled during England’s series against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

In a statement released by the England Cricket Board (ECB), it was also confirmed that Durham pacer Brydon Carse will make his Test debut in this match.

The England XI includes the return of Somerset spinner Jack Leach, who last played for England in their January tour of India. Kent’s Zak Crawley is also returning after recovering from a broken finger sustained during the summer.

England’s playing XI for the Multan Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.