Stokes returns to England test squad for Pakistan tour

LONDON: England cricket captain Ben Stokes will make his return to the Test side after missing the recent series victory against Sri Lanka due to injury, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Tuesday. Stokes, who suffered a hamstring tear during The Hundred last month, has been named in the 17-member squad for England’s upcoming three-match series in Pakistan, which begins on October 7.

The ECB also confirmed the return of Zak Crawley, who has been sidelined since fracturing his right little finger at Edgbaston in July. Both players are continuing their recoveries and will be key figures as England seeks to build on their recent success.

The squad includes spinner Rehan Ahmed, who made his Test debut in Karachi during England’s last tour of Pakistan in December 2022. Ahmed will be joined by fellow spinner Jack Leach, who is set to feature for the first time since the opening Test against India in January this year.(Reuters)