'Injured' Ben Stokes forced into water boy role in PAK vs ENG 1st Test

England all-rounder and Test captain Ben Stokes didn't feature in the playing XI for the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan. Interestingly, Ben Stokes turned water boy during the series opener as he was seen carrying drinks on the ground for his teammates on Monday, October 7.

Stokes was ruled out of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. The left-handed batter has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury during The Hundred 2024. He then missed the subsequent three-Test series against Sri Lanka at home, and vice-captain Ollie Pope led the national team.

Pope guided the England cricket team to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka. The England No. 3 batter is leading the visiting team for the first Test match against Pakistan. The Three Lions are struggling to balance their side in the absence of the 33-year-old all-rounder from the playing XI in the Test match.

Ben Stokes Turns Waterboy in Multan Test vs Pakistan

Ben Stokes was not included in the playing XI for the first Test against Pakistan as a precautionary measure. The England skipper remained actively involved with the team despite being sidelined. He carried drinks for players and interacted with them during breaks on Day 1 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

His off-field involvement during the Test match showcased his dedication to the England team. He is currently in recovery and is expected to make his return for the remaining matches of the series. Earlier, the England team secured a 3-0 win in the Test series against Pakistan in 2022 under his leadership.

Looveddd This Part About Ben Stokes! ♥️
When on the bench, he's carrying drinks for
his mates, probably a message or two for Pope
as well! pic.twitter.com/FCCZVPMUcF

— MUHAMMAD MUSAB (@BinMbp) October 7, 2024

Ben Stokes carrying drinks in Multan between Pakistan vs England test match.. pic.twitter.com/q4WVzzED0v

— Silme (@silme47) October 7, 2024

Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood Smash Centuries On Day 1

Pakistan skipper Shan Masood won the toss and opted to bat in the first Test of the three-match series. The home team lost the first wicket inside four overs in the morning session of the first day. Opening batter Saim Ayub, who scored four runs off 10 balls, was dismissed by fast bowler Gus Atkinson.

Abdullah Shafique and Masood added a 253-run partnership for the second wicket. Shafique was dismissed by Atkinson after scoring 102 runs off 184 balls with 10 fours and two sixes. The Pakistan skipper scored 151 runs off 177 balls, including 13 boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed.

Came Prepared If Ben Stokes Is Not Available - Ollie Pope

Ollie Pope said that he came ready to captain the team in Ben Stokes' absence. The stand-in skipper highlighted how Brydon Carse would adapt to the Test format after success in white-ball cricket for England.

"I came prepared (to captain) if Stokes is not available. The conditions are hot, the hottest I might have played in, ready for the challenge. I would have batted first as well. Little bit of moisture and hopefully we can make use of that in the first hour. He (Carse) has played some white-ball cricket for England and now we are excited to see how he goes about in Test cricket," Pope said.

Also read: Abhimanyu Easwaran eyeing spot in India's BGT 2024-25 squad? Batter says "it's selectors’ job..."