Boost for Pakistan: Ben Stokes likely to miss first Test in Multan

England captain Ben Stokes is doubtful for the upcoming first Pakistan vs England, scheduled to be played from Monday (October 7) at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

The star all-rounder has not played a competitive game since August when he plied his trade for Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. He tore his left hamstring while batting during the game against Manchester Originals and had to retire hurt.

He also missed the entire three-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to the injury. In his absence, Ollie Pope led England to a 2-1 series win over the Islanders. Although Ben Stokes was expected to be fit in time for the series against Pakistan, it looks unlikely now.

According to a report in ESPNcricinfo, the England captain batted for around half an hour in the nets and bowled off a short run-up as well. However, he could fail to make the cut for the series opener. If Stokes misses out, Pope is set to continue to lead the side.

Replacement for Ben Stokes:

If Ben Stokes fails to recover fully for the first Test against Pakistan, veteran allrounder Chris Woakes is in line to replace him. Woakes played in all the six Tests at home this season, three against West Indies and three against Sri Lanka.

He picked up 11 wickets against West Indies and scored a fifty as well. Against Sri Lanka, Woakes picked up 13 wickets and will be fancying his chances of playing an overseas Test for the first time in more than two years.

While Ben Stokes is doubtful for the series opener, England will welcome opener Zak Crawley. The right-handed batsman missed the series against Sri Lanka owing to a broken finger. On Friday, he was asked about Stokes' potential absence. In reply, he said:

"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."

"He (Stokes) 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," he added.

Meanwhile, England are expected to announce their playing eleven on Saturday (October 5). England had whitewashed Pakistan in a three-match Test series on their last visit to the country in 2022 and will be looking to make a strong start in the upcoming series as well.