Knowing ben

Ben Stokes: England captain Ben Stokes is likely to play in the second Test against Pakistan, which might be played on the Multan pitch used in the series opener. Stokes, who has been out of auction due to a hamstring injury in August, was seen bowling at full pace in the nets on Sunday.

With spinners Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir taking huge bowling workload during England’s triumph by an innings and 47 runs on a flat pitch in the first Test, Stokes may be eased back into bowling and could come into the eleven in place of all-rounder Chris Woakes.

"When we’re talking about Ben’s workloads and his bowling, it might play into our hands with that, with the spinners potentially playing more of a part. He looks great. He has worked really hard on his fitness and is looking as strong as I've ever seen him.