The England cricket team is currently on Pakistan tour for a three-match Test series. So the first match between the two teams will be played at Multan Cricket Stadium from 7th October. However, now news is coming that England’s regular Test captain Ben Stokes will not play in this test match. In the absence of Stokes, Ollie Pope will take command of the team, who also took command of the England team in the home series against Sri Lanka.

In such a situation, many cricket fans must be having questions in their minds that after all, England has come to Pakistan under the leadership of Stokes, and he is not playing the first match of the series. So let us answer your question.

For this reason Stokes will not play the first test match against Pakistan

Let us tell you that regarding not playing in the first Test match against Pakistan, Stokes was quoted by Sky Sports as saying – I tried my best to get myself fit for this first game, but I decided to miss it. I haven’t been fully prepared for the game.

My rehab schedule involves a lot. We have reached a certain point, but looking at the bigger picture of what we are achieving and where I am physically, I am not quite ready to play.

Stokes further said- It is disappointing not to play in the match. I have some good things to focus on, so even though I’m not playing, I have a target in mind. I have a good 10 days to prepare myself for the second match.

England’s playing XI for the first test match against Pakistan:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir.