Multan. Ben Stokes is once again returning to England’s playing eleven after two months. Olly Pope was captaining in place of Stokes due to a hamstring injury, but Stokes will be seen captaining in the second Test against Pakistan in Multan. England have made two changes to the playing-eleven for the second Test, with Stokes replacing Chris Woakes to sit out. So while giving rest to Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts has been included in the playing eleven. England feel that the second Test may be low-scoring because this match will be played on the same pitch on which the first Test was played. Although a lot of water has been poured on the pitch, it appears dry due to the strong sunlight, hence this reused pitch can help spin. Stokes has been bowling consistently in the nets and it is believed that he will be the third seam bowler after Potts and Brydon Carse. England’s fast bowling consultant James Anderson said that I think this is going to be a big week for spin bowlers. Regarding Stokes, Anderson said, “It is difficult to say how much he will contribute with the ball, but it is certain that he will be seen bowling well.
In the first Test, England’s fast bowlers had to work very hard, although despite this they were able to win by an innings. Atkinson had bowled 39 overs, while Carse had bowled 38 overs and Woakes had bowled 35 overs. Atkinson and Woakes have played all six Tests for England this season, so they have been rested. Whereas the cars that debuted in the first test are currently fresh. Ben Duckett, who had suffered a thumb injury, is now fit and has retained his place. After Stokes’ return, Jamie Smith will bat one place lower i.e. at number-7 while Stokes will be seen at his old and favorite number-6. England have kept the same spinners in their playing eleven who were also part of the first Test – Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir. England XI: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (c), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Brayden Carse, 9 Matthew Potts, 10 Jack Leach, 11 Shoaib Bashir.