ENG vs PAK: Ben Stokes Ruled Out As England Confirm Playing XI For Opening Test In Multan

England have confirmed their playing XI for the first of the three Tests against Pakistan in Multan, beginning on October 7. Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the opening Test as the all-rounder continues his recovery from the hamstring injury, while Brydon Carse will make his debut. The tourists have also opted for two spinners in the line-up.

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