Stokes, Potts named in England's XI for second Pakistan Test

Ben Stokes is back and will lead England in the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, starting on October 15 (Tuesday). 

England have announced their playing XI for the second Test. Matthew Potts will replace Gus Atkinson, who has been rested, while Chris Woakes has been left out of the XI.

Stokes had missed the first Test which England won under stand-in skipper Ollie Pope by an innings and 47 runs. 

The star all-rounder tore his left hamstring while batting during the Hundred domestic competition in August, which forced him to miss England's 2-1 home series win over Sri Lanka last month, also led by Pope.

Stokes has also been bowling in training and will be England's third pace option behind Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts. The surface that was used for the opening Test will be used for the second game as well. 

"It could be a big week for the spinners. I don't know about his full share… but he's still looking at contributing a pretty decent amount with the ball," said England's fast-bowling consultant James Anderson.

Woakes bowled 35 overs in the first Test and picked up two wickets, while Atkinson registered match figures of 4/145. England have stuck with the same spin combination of  Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir, with Joe Root chipping in if and when needed. 

England’s XI - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir

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