England Announces Squad for First Test Against Pakistan; Ollie Pope to Captain

The England cricket team has confirmed their playing XI for the first Test match against Pakistan, which will take place on October 7 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

With regular captain Ben Stokes still sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Ollie Pope has been named as the stand-in captain for the series opener.

Fast bowler Brydon Carse from Durham is set to make his Test debut, while left-arm spinner Jack Leach returns to the team after a long break, last appearing in England’s series against India in January. Zak Crawley, who had been recovering from a finger injury sustained during the summer, has also been included in the squad after regaining full fitness.

Stokes’ injury, which occurred during The Hundred League, forced him to miss the recent Test series against Sri Lanka. The England Cricket Board (ECB) initially hoped he would be ready for the Pakistan series, but he has not yet fully recovered for the first Test.

England’s squad presents a blend of seasoned players and fresh talent. In addition to Carse’s debut, the pace attack will feature experienced bowler Chris Woakes and rising star Gus Atkinson. The batting lineup, led by former captain Joe Root, includes Pope, Crawley, Harry Brook, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

On the Pakistani side, Shan Masood will captain the team for the three-match series. The first two Tests will be held in Multan, with the final match taking place in Rawalpindi.

England Playing XI for 1st Test:

1. Zak Crawley
2. Ben Duckett
3. Ollie Pope (C)
4. Joe Root
5. Harry Brook
6. Jamie Smith (wk)
7. Chris Woakes
8. Gus Atkinson
9. Brydon Carse (debut)
10. Jack Leach
11. Shoaib Bashir

Series Schedule:

– 1st Test: October 7-11 – Multan
– 2nd Test: October 15-19 – Multan
– 3rd Test: October 24-28 – Rawalpindi

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