England cricket fans have something to look forward to as Ben Stokes is all set to return as captain for the three-match Test series in Pakistan next month. After missing the home series win against Sri Lanka due to a hamstring injury, Stokes will be back in charge for this key part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), scheduled from October 7 to 28.
This tour is particularly significant as it brings with it a few new faces, some exciting returns, and a lot of anticipation.
Brydon Carse’s Comeback
The big talking point ahead of this tour is Brydon Carse, who could make his Test debut after a rocky few months. Carse just completed a three-month ban for historical betting violations and is now in the spotlight, hoping to make a fresh start.
With fellow quick Mark Wood sidelined due to an elbow injury, Carse has a golden opportunity to make his mark on the international stage.
It’s not every day that someone comes back from a betting scandal to find themselves in a Test squad so soon. Carse’s inclusion has raised eyebrows, but his talent with both bat and ball means he has a lot to offer England in Pakistan
Carse is one of the two uncapped players in squad, with Jordan Cox being the other one. Cox, a promising young wicketkeeper, could see some action if regulars like Ollie Pope or Jamie Smith need a break.
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On the other hand, tall left-arm fast bowler Josh Hull has been retained after impressing in previous outings. Hull adds variety to the England attack, which will be crucial on the spin-friendly pitches of Pakistan. His raw pace and ability to extract bounce make him a player to watch out for.
Spin Bowlers Return
Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed are back, and this is great news for England fans who remember their historic 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan in 2022. Leach’s experience and Ahmed’s flair will provide much-needed spin options in conditions that are sure to favor slow bowlers.
Interestingly, Leach was displaced as England’s top spinner earlier this year by Shoaib Bashir, but his recall suggests that the selectors have faith in his ability to thrive in Pakistan.
While England enters this series with momentum, following recent wins over West Indies and Sri Lanka, Pakistan is in a tough spot.
The Green Shirts have just come off a disappointing 2-0 series loss to Bangladesh at home. This dip in form has only added to the pressure on Pakistan, who will be looking to bounce back strongly in this series.
The Venue Drama
In typical PCB fashion, there has been some last-minute uncertainty about the venues for this series. The second Test, originally scheduled for the National Stadium in Karachi, was rumored to be moved to the UAE due to “unavailability of venues.”
However, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has put those rumors to rest, confirming that all three matches will be played in Pakistan. This reassurance comes as a relief for local fans who are eagerly waiting to see live cricket on home soil.
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England Test squad to tour Pakistan
Ben Stokes (capt), 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
What to Expect from the Series?
With Ben Stokes back at the helm and a mix of experience and fresh talent, England is looking sharp. Pakistan, meanwhile, will be eager to redeem themselves after their recent Test defeats. The pitches in Pakistan are known for spin, and how well the English batsmen handle Pakistan’s spinners, as well as their own, could be the key to the series.
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