PAK vs ENG: England welcome Ben Stokes back for Pakistan tour, announce two new uncapped players in 17-member Test squad

New Delhi: England is set to receive a major boost with the return of captain Ben Stokes for the upcoming tour of Pakistan. The England & Wales Cricket Board has announced a 17-strong squad for the tour, which will include three Test matches against Pakistan starting on October 7th. Stokes had to sit out of the recent Test series against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring tear that he suffered while playing in The Hundred. However, the star all-rounder has been diligently working on his recovery and is optimistic about being fit in time for the first Test against Pakistan. The inclusion of Stokes in the squad will undoubtedly bolster England's chances against a formidable Pakistani side, and fans are eagerly anticipating his return to the field.

Durham’s Brydon Carse and Essex’s Jordan Cox are the only uncapped players while spinners Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach return to the Test set-up. England have named eight players – Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Stokes – from the squad that won 3-0 in 2022.

Pacer Josh Hull, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka, is set to make his first away tour with the senior side while Zak Crawley has been brought back after missing out since the West Indies series in July. The 26-year-old, who fractured his right little finger at Edgbaston in July, is making significant progress in his recovery to earn selection.

The venues for the three-match series are yet to be confirmed, with an announcement expected from the Pakistan Cricket Board later this week.

England Test squad for Pakistan: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Josh Hull, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.