Ben Stokes to Lead 17-Member Squad for England’s Test Series in Pakistan
England’s Test captain Ben Stokes will head a 17-member squad for the highly anticipated three-match Test series in Pakistan, starting on October 7 at the Pindi Stadium. This marks England’s return to Pakistan after their memorable 3-0 series win in 2022.
Several key players from that victorious squad, including Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes, will once again feature in the lineup. Joining them are Durham fast bowler Brydon Carse and Essex batter Jordan Cox, the only uncapped players selected for this series.
Somerset spinner Jack Leach, who last played in the opening Test against India in January 2024, is also set to return. Leach will be joined by Leicestershire leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who made his Test debut in Karachi during the last Pakistan tour in December 2022, and will be aiming to build on his four Test caps.
Leicestershire seamer Josh Hull, who made his Test debut at Kia Oval this week, has also been included for his first senior tour with England.
Zak Crawley, the Kent opener, returns after recovering from a fractured finger sustained during the West Indies series in July. His recovery has progressed well, earning him a place back in the squad.
England captain Ben Stokes, recovering from a hamstring tear that kept him out of the recent series against Sri Lanka, will lead the team. His inclusion signals positive progress in his recovery.
The venues for the three-match series have yet to be confirmed, with an announcement expected soon from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
England Men’s Test Squad
- Ben Stokes (Captain – Durham)
- Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
- Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
- Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
- Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
- Brydon Carse (Durham)
- Jordan Cox (Essex)
- Zak Crawley (Kent)
- Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
- Josh Hull (Leicestershire)
- Jack Leach (Somerset)
- Ollie Pope (Surrey)
- Matthew Potts (Durham)
- Joe Root (Yorkshire)
- Jamie Smith (Surrey)
- Olly Stone (Nottinghamshire)
- Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
With a blend of experienced players and fresh talent, England is poised for an exciting series against Pakistan this October.
