England to make late decision on Ben Stokes’ fitness – Joe Root
England will make a late decision on Ben Stokes’ fitness before deciding on their final XI for the first Test against Pakistan.
Stokes has been managing a quad injury for the past couple of weeks and, although he is certain to take the field at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday, it is not yet known how much of a role he can be expected to play with the ball.
He was selected as a specialist batsman in the previous Test against the West Indies, but England had to drop batsman Zak Crawley to make room for an extra bowler.
Stokes put in a good show at nets on Monday but rain in Manchester curtailed his eve-of-match workout.
“We still need to know a bit more about where Ben is at,” said captain Joe Root.
“Because of the weather he wasn’t able to bowl outside so we’ll probably wait on that tonight and make a decision in the morning.
“Ben being able to do everything he can do is huge for this team and it shows how pivotal he is, but if he’s not fit there are a number of ways we can go.”
Latest
-
News5 things we learned from the Bob Willis Trophy
Essex claimed the title after edging out Somerset at Lord’s.
-
NewsSomerset skipper Tom Abell goes in to bat for County Championship
The format of next season’s first-class competition is up for grabs.
-
NewsEssex enjoy ‘special’ end to ‘challenging’ year with Bob Willis Trophy triumph
Tom Westley admitted his first year as captain had been ‘nerve-wracking’.
-
NewsTom Westley proud after Essex come through challenging time to win another title
The Chelmsford side have dominated county cricket recently.
-
NewsEssex continue county cricket domination with Bob Willis Trophy success
The Chelmsford side now have a third title in four years.
-
NewsNat Sciver hoping her England heroics put cricket on the map for young females
England’s T20 against West Indies took centre stage on Saturday afternoon.
-
NewsEssex still have the advantage heading into final day despite Tom Lammonby ton
Essex will win the competition if the match is drawn after surpassing Somerset’s first-innings score.
-
NewsTom Lammonby leads Somerset charge after Essex earn first-innings lead at Lord’s
Lammonby was 94 not out at tea with Somerset on 159 for two – an advantage of 123 – in the Bob Willis Trophy final.
-
NewsEssex have the edge in Bob Willis Trophy final clash against Somerset
The Chelmsford-based team made the best score in their first innings at Lord’s.