England captain Ben Stokes is on course to return for the second Test against Pakistan starting on Tuesday in Multan. The 33-year-old all-rounder missed the first Test, which England won by an innings and 47 runs, with Ollie Pope as the stand-in captain.
An England team spokesperson confirmed Stokes participated in practice sessions with the squad on Sunday. If fit, Stokes is expected to replace Chris Woakes in the playing XI.
England's team lineup announcement, usually made two days before a Test match, will be delayed until Stokes's fitness is fully evaluated on Monday.
"Ben bowled about four overs at full pace today. He has done some high-intensity running and had about a 45-minute batting session in the nets," the spokesperson reported. "He will be assessed after today, and a decision will be made on his availability over the course of the next 24 hours."
Stokes had torn his left hamstring while batting during the Hundred competition in August, ruling him out of England’s recent 2-1 home series win over Sri Lanka, also captained by Pope.
