The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the eagerly anticipated squad for their upcoming away Test series against Pakistan. In a significant development, Test captain Ben Stokes and batter Zak Crawley both return to the fold after missing the recent series against Sri Lanka due to injuries. The three-match contest against the Men in Green has garnered substantial attention, with several notable inclusions and exclusions shaping the team’s dynamic.
Ben Stokes, the charismatic leader of the Test side, missed the Sri Lanka series after sustaining an injury during The Hundred. His absence was keenly felt, and his return is expected to bring strength and stability to the team. Similarly, Zak Crawley, who injured his finger during England’s dominant 10-wicket victory over the West Indies in the final Test of that series, is also back in the squad, much to the relief of fans and teammates alike.
Adding to the drama is the inclusion of bowling all-rounder Brydon Carse in the 17-member squad. Carse’s selection comes after a controversial period in his career, having been suspended for betting irregularities. He recently served a 16-month ban (reduced to 13 for good behavior), during which he was still allowed to train. Carse made a triumphant return to competitive cricket in the County Championship, where he showcased his all-round prowess by scoring a century against Somerset. Known for his ability to deliver 90mph thunderbolts, Carse adds a robust option to England’s pace attack.
The ECB’s decision to recall spinners Jack Leach and Rehan Ahmed is seen as a strategic move tailored for the subcontinent’s spin-friendly conditions. Both Leach and Ahmed last played a Test match in India earlier this year and their experience will be crucial for the Pakistan series. The spin department also features Shoaib Bashir, making it a formidable trio aimed at exploiting Pakistani pitches.
However, the squad announcement was not without its setbacks.
. Mark Wood, a key player, has been ruled out for the remainder of 2024 due to an elbow injury. Wood’s aggressive pace and experience would have been invaluable, but his absence opens the door for others to step up. Chris Woakes, another experienced campaigner, has been recalled to the squad, providing a blend of skill and reliability.
Rising talent also gets a spotlight with the inclusion of 6ft 7in tall pacer Josh Hull. Hull made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in the recently concluded series and left a positive impression. His height and pace offer a unique challenge to the opposition, and his second Test cap will be closely watched by cricket pundits.
While the team sees the return of seasoned players, there are some notable omissions. Tom Hartley, who delivered an impressive performance in the India series earlier this year, has not been picked. Hartley notably claimed a seven-wicket haul in England’s lone victory in the five-match series against India, making his exclusion a point of discussion. Nevertheless, the spin duties for the Pakistan tour will rest on Leach, Ahmed, and Bashir.
The final squad features a blend of experience and youth, aimed at taking on a strong Pakistani side on home soil. The lineup includes the likes of Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, and Olly Stone, alongside the seasoned campaigners and young talents, poised to deliver captivating cricket action.
England’s full Test squad for the Pakistan series is as follows:
– Ben Stokes (captain)
– Rehan Ahmed
– Gus Atkinson
– Shoaib Bashir
– Harry Brook
– Brydon Carse
– Jordan Cox
– Zak Crawley
– Ben Duckett
– Josh Hull
– Jack Leach
– Ollie Pope
– Matthew Potts
– Joe Root
– Jamie Smith
– Olly Stone
– Chris Woakes
The return of Stokes and Crawley, coupled with the mix of emerging stars and experienced hands, sets the stage for an enthralling series. Cricket enthusiasts will be eager to see how this squad performs against a tough Pakistani side, making for an exciting end to the year for Test cricket fans worldwide.
