Many doubts are going into Ben Stokes’ putative availability to lead England in the first Test of a three-match campaign against Pakistan, who host the game starting 7 October in Multan. The red-ball captain had indicated earlier that he might rather return to full fitness rather than rush back into the game after injury, putting his selection in the side in some doubt.
Zak Crawley England’s opener has returned from the third test against the West Indies with a fractured little finger after taking a catch and gave a small report on fitness and team composition. He said he was buoyant about the depth of the team and that Stokes was working well, but he said that he has yet to be confirmed on the final selection.
“We have an incredibly deep squad and there’s a lot of choice, be it with the bat or the ball. Whatever team plays will have a very good balance,” Zak Crawley explained. “Regarding Stokes, he’s recovering very well, but still has a few tests to pass. He’s running and making good progress, but we’re not sure yet,” Crawley told ESPNcricinfo.
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Regarding fitness, Zak Crawley joked that there was nothing wrong with his finger, in which he was ready to get back out having healed, of course-with some precautions.
“My finger’s feeling good. It was a nasty break, but I’ve recovered well. I haven’t felt any discomfort while batting. In the field, I am being careful, avoiding slip positions as per the doctor’s advice, but I feel ready to play again,” he said, emphasizing his excitement at returning to the team after missing out on recent action.
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Mentioning the changes brought to the batting approach in different ways as balancing aggression with adaptability, Crawley said: “I have given much thought to being more adaptable, reading the conditions better and picking the right shots. It’s about smart decision-making out there, yet I’ll still play my natural, aggressive game, he reflected on his preparations for the upcoming series.”
If Stokes is to miss the first Test, Ollie Pope may again be at the helm, while Chris Woakes will be a welcome return to overseas Test cricket, with No. 7 his most likely destination. Since Woakes’s last overseas Test for England in December 2018, inclusion would add another layer of depth to England’s bowling attack.
