Stokes returns to England squad for Pakistan Test tour

Captain Ben Stokes will return to the England Test side after missing this month's series victory against Sri Lanka, the country's cricket board (ECB) said on Tuesday after they announced a 17-member squad for October's tour of Pakistan.

Stokes, who sustained a hamstring tear in English domestic tournament The Hundred last month, is continuing his recovery along with Zak Crawley who fractured his right little finger at Edgbaston in July.

England will tour Pakistan for a three-match series starting from Oct. 7.

"Zak Crawley returns to the squad after missing out since the West Indies series in July. Captain Ben Stokes is also included as he continues his recovery from a hamstring tear," ECB said in a statement.

Spinner Rehan Ahmed, who made his red-ball debut in Karachi during the last Pakistan tour in December 2022, returns to the squad with counterpart Jack Leach who will feature for the first time since the opening Test in India in January this year.

The 20-year-old Josh Hull, who made his Test debut in the third Test against Sri Lanka on Friday, is also included in the squad along with the uncapped duo of Brydon Carse and batter Jordan Cox.

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