Ben Stokes unlikely for first Pakistan Test

Full-time red-ball skipper of England, Ben Stokes, seems to be a doubtful inclusion in England's XI to face Pakistan in the first Test of the three-match series, scheduled to commence on October 7 in Multan. The ace all-rounder had admitted last month that he would rather spend a little more time to recover than risking to aggravate his injury.

Opening batter, Zak Crawley, who declared himself fit after fracturing his little finger while attempting a catch in the third Test of the series against the West Indies, recently opened up on the overall composition of the squad as well as Stokes' status quo. 

"We've got a really deep squad, with plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well. We feel ready. Whatever team comes out, it will be a nice balance either way. He seems to be going well, recovering well from his injury. We don't know just yet. I think he's got to do a few more tests, but he's been doing some running and stuff," stated Crawley, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

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It was a nasty break at the time, but I've recovered well: Crawley

The opening batter, who seemed excited to be back to normal, touched upon how his finger was at the moment and also shared the advice provided by the team doctor on the positions on the field he should avoid fielding in the near future.

"The finger is alright. It's as good as it could be at this stage. I've recovered well from it. It was a nasty break at the time, but I've recovered well and I don't feel it at all while I'm batting. In the field, I haven't done too much. I'm trying to rest it, but I did a few catches there [in training] and it feels fine. I won't go at slip, just from advice from the doctor. I feel like I could, but I'm just trying to follow the professional advice. It feels back to normal now, so I'm looking forward to cracking on. I feel brand new. I'm looking forward to getting out there. I've certainly missed it, so I can't wait to get out there again with the boys," added Crawley.

Crawley also underscored the change in thought process he has ingrained since the past couple of months, and was eager to implement the same in the upcoming Test series with the bat.

"You've got to read the conditions. That's something I've thought about in the past couple of months, being more adaptable, playing the right shots, still being very aggressive - that's always going to be me - but just playing the right shots," noted the opener.

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If Stokes doesn't feature in the first Test, it would mean Ollie Pope will contine to lead the side. It could also bring in Chris Woakes, who is in the hunt to play his first overseas Test for England in two-and-a-half years, to be slotted into the No. 7.