Ben Stokes returns to England team as part of two changes for second Pakistan Test
Ben Stokes, who has missed his side’s last four Tests with a torn hamstring, decided not to risk his fitness last week but has now been cleared after a series of rigorous workouts
by Press Association · The MirrorBen Stokes will return to captain England in the second Test against Pakistan, with seam bowler Matthew Potts also recalled to the XI in Multan.
Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson make way following the tourists’ remarkable innings victory in the series opener.
Stokes, who has missed his side’s last four Tests with a torn hamstring, decided not to risk his fitness last week but has now been cleared after a series of rigorous workouts.
He will reclaim his spot at number six, bolstering a batting line-up that ran up a staggering 823 for seven last time out, and is ready to take his share of the work with the ball.
England’s pace attack is an all-Durham affair, with Potts lining up alongside Brydon Carse, who impressed on debut.
Atkinson has been left out for the first time since coming into the team at the start of the summer but he and Woakes have been rested after taking heavy workloads in energy-sapping heat in the first Test.
England are preparing for what should be a lower scoring Test, with the match set to be played on the same wicket at as the first. The pitch is believed to have been heavily watered before drying out in the sun.
"It could be a big week for the spinners," James Anderson, England's fast-bowling consultant, said on Sunday when asked about Stokes potentially bowling in the match. "I don't know about his full share… but he's still looking at contributing a pretty decent amount with the ball."
England team for second Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Brydon Carse, Matt Potts. Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.
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