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If Stokes is ruled out of the first Test, Ollie Pope would continue to deputise as captain. In Stokes’ absence from the Sri Lanka series, England opted to cover for the all-rounder by moving wicketkeeper Jamie Smith to number six and playing an extra bowler.
The scenario of Stokes only being able to bat would potentially leave England with a selection decision.
If they were to continue with the balance they favoured against Sri Lanka, England would have to bat Stokes in the top five, therefore squeezing out one of their regular top order.
To avoid that scenario, England could revert to four frontline bowlers, supplemented by Joe Root’s off-spin, a tactic they favoured when Stokes was unable to bowl because of a knee injury in India earlier this year.
Meanwhile, there is still no clarity on the venues for the three Tests, despite England travelling in less than two weeks.
The matches were due to take place in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Multan, but building work in Karachi is likely to leave that stadium unavailable.
There had been speculation part of the series could be shifted to the United Arab Emirates, however it is now thought the the three Tests will take place in Pakistan. It could be that one of Rawalpindi or Multan hosts two matches.
England won 3-0 on their last visit to Pakistan in 2022, the first time a visiting team had recorded a three-test clean sweep in the country.
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