Stokes set for scan ahead of Pak Tests

I'd rather take an extra two weeks than take any risk, says England skipper.

England captain Ben Stokes is set to undergo a scan on his hamstring injury next week as the team awaits a verdict on his fitness for the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan.

The 33-year-old sustained the injury in early August, missing England's 2-1 series defeat to Sri Lanka. Despite his layoff, the 33-year-old has been actively involved in training, including a lengthy net session at Durham's Chester-le-Street last week and participation in the Celebrity Pro-Am at the PGA Championship golf at Wentworth.

The upcoming scan is scheduled as part of the monitoring process for his recovery, rather than in response to any setbacks. The first Test of the three-match series is scheduled to begin on October 7.

Earlier this month, Stokes expressed his intention to approach his return cautiously, prioritizing a full recovery over rushing back and risking further injury. "I'd rather take an extra two weeks than run the risk of potentially doing something worse and then putting myself out of the game for longer," he said.

Despite the injury, the batting all-rounder has been included in the 17-man squad that will depart for Pakistan on October 1. If he is ruled out of the first Test, Ollie Pope is expected to continue as captain.

The possibility of Stokes being able to only bat presents a selection dilemma for England. If they choose to maintain the balance they favored against Sri Lanka, Stokes would likely have to bat in the top five, displacing one of the regular top-order batsmen. To avoid this scenario, England could revert to four frontline bowlers, supplemented by Joe Root's off-spin, a tactic they employed earlier this year when Stokes was unable to bowl due to a knee injury.

Meanwhile, uncertainty remains regarding the venues for the three Tests, despite England's departure approaching. While the original plan was to play in Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Multan, construction work in Karachi may prevent its availability. There had been speculation that some matches could be relocated to the United Arab Emirates, but it now appears that all three Tests will take place in Pakistan.

Pak- Eng Test series schedule to be announced this week

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce the full schedule for the upcoming three-match Test series against England within the next one or two days.

As the much-anticipated Test series between Pakistan and England looms closer, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the series due to the fitness of England captain Ben Stokes.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to hold the Test matches in Multan and Rawalpindi, with plans to host the first two Tests in Multan. The decision to exclude Karachi as a venue was made due to ongoing construction work.

While the exact schedule for the series remains to be confirmed, the PCB's intention is to capitalize on the conditions in Multan by hosting two Tests there. However, an alternative option is to hold the first and third Tests in Rawalpindi.

England squad for Pakistan Test series: Ben Stokes (C), 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.