Ben Stokes Misses First Test Against Pakistan Due to Injury

Ollie Pope steps in as captain while Brydon Carse makes his Test debut for England in Multan.

Ben Stokes is sidelined from the first Test against Pakistan as he continues to recover from a torn hamstring sustained in August.
Ollie Pope will lead the England team for the fourth consecutive time, following his captaincy during the series win over Sri Lanka.
Brydon Carse, a pace bowling all-rounder, is set to make his Test debut, joining a five-man attack that includes Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson.
England's squad features the return of Zak Crawley and Jack Leach from injuries, with Leach playing his first Test since March.
Despite Stokes' absence, England enters the series as strong favorites, having previously swept Pakistan 3-0 in their 2022 tour.