ENG vs PAK, 2nd Test: Ben Stokes returns as England name XI for second Multan Test

Multan: England’s captain Ben Stokes will be back to competitive cricket for the first time since August 2024.

A torn hamstring in the Men’s Hundred had sidelined Stokes from cricket for nearly two months. The all-rounder missed the three-game Test series against Sri Lanka, and the opening Multan Test against Pakistan. Ollie Pope led the side in his absence.

However, Stokes was a regular presence with the England squad and will now return to lead the side.

Matthew Potts also makes it into the playing XI along with Stokes whereas the pace duo of Chris Woaks and Gus Atkinson sit out.

Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir will continue to lead the spin attack, with Joe Root expected to chip in as well, an ICC report said.

England's first outing in Multan was a record-shattering win for the tourists, with numerous milestones being created including the fourth-highest innings total, highest-ever stand for England, first triple hundred for England since 1990 among many others.

England are presently placed at the fourth place on the ICC World Test Championship Standings with a point percentage of 45.59%, while Pakistan are at the bottom with 16.67%.

England XI for the 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.