England captain Ben Stokes is set to play in the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, with fast bowler Matthew Potts joining him in the lineup. Stokes and Potts come in to replace Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson following England's record-setting victory in the first Test.
The second Test, starting today, will take place on the same pitch used in the first match. In response to the surface, Pakistan has made significant changes, naming three specialist spinners while leaving out former captain Babar Azam and pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah.
During Monday's training, the Pakistan selection team, including captain Shan Masood, coach Jason Gillespie, and former skipper Azhar Ali, held a lengthy discussion on the pitch. Meanwhile, Stokes was seen bowling in preparation for his first Test since July, after missing four matches due to a hamstring injury he sustained in August.
Stokes explained to BBC Sport that he had undergone rigorous training to ensure his readiness, stating that he had completed all the necessary tests and was feeling confident about his fitness. He said, "I had to make sure I ticked all the boxes to be confident in myself and my body. I'm ready to go."
Pakistan's decision to use the same pitch aims to provide more help to their bowlers, as the first Test was largely dominated by batting. In that match, Pakistan posted 556 runs, but England responded with a massive 823-7 declared, marking their highest score since 1938. Pakistan subsequently set an unwanted record as the team with the highest score to lose by an innings.
Regarding Pakistan’s unusual decision to use the same pitch, Stokes acknowledged that his team would likely use home advantage in a similar situation if they were behind in a series. He commented that his side would likely request adjustments to the pitch if needed.
With spinners likely to play a key role on the used wicket, Stokes noted that this would ease the pressure on his bowling. He added that although he would need to be careful with his workload, he would not have returned unless he was fit to bowl.
Stokes resumes his role as captain from Ollie Pope, who led the team in three victories and one loss during Stokes' absence. Meanwhile, Potts, earning his ninth Test cap, replaces Atkinson, who misses out after featuring in every match since his debut in July.
Pakistan, seeking their first home Test win in 12 matches, has named Aamer Jamal as their only frontline pace option, supported by spinners Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood. With Kamran Ghulam making his debut at number four and a host of part-time spin options, Pakistan has assembled a heavy spin attack for this match.
Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood explained that the team’s strategy was to use the worn pitch to their advantage and take 20 England wickets. "We want the ball to turn. We felt we could gain home advantage. Let’s see if it works," he said.
A win for England would mark their second consecutive series victory in Pakistan, following their 3-0 sweep in 2022.