Stokes Doutbful for first Test against Pakistan



England captain Ben Stokes is a doubt for the first Test against Pakistan in Multan as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Stokes, 33, has been out since the beginning of August, missing the 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka.

England trained in Multan for the first time on Friday. All-rounder Stokes batted in the nets and bowled a handful of deliveries off a few paces.

He indicated last week he is unlikely to bowl at the beginning of this three-match series, which gets under way on Monday.

Opener Zak Crawley told BBC Sport: "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."

If Stokes is fit to play, but not bowl, England will have a decision on how to balance their side.

Against Sri Lanka they played five specialist bowlers, which would mean leaving out one of their regular top order.

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