Stokes and Potts return for second Test in Pakistan

England captain Ben Stokes is fit to play in the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, coming in alongside pace bowler Matthew Potts.

All-rounder Stokes and Potts replace Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson in two changes to the side that won a record-breaking first Test.

It has been confirmed the second Test, beginning on Tuesday, will be played on the same pitch used for the first.

Pakistan have made sweeping changes to their squad, dropping former captain Babar Azam and pace bowlers Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The hosts' selection committee, including captain Shan Masood, coach Jason Gillespie, former skipper Azhar Ali and ex-international umpire Aleem Dar were engaged in a long and public meeting on the square during Monday’s training session.

At the same time, Stokes was bowling in the nets in preparation for his first Test since July.

The 33-year-old injured his hamstring in August and has missed four Tests, including England’s innings-and-47-run win here last week.

The highly unusual decision for the second Test to be played on the same pitch as the first could aid Stokes’ reintroduction to the England side.

In employing the used pitch, Pakistan are hoping for more assistance for the bowlers, particularly the spinners. In that case, England can expect Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir and part-timer Joe Root to do the bulk of the work, lessening the load on Stokes’ fast-medium.

Stokes resumes the captaincy from Ollie Pope, who won three and lost one of his matches in charge.

Potts, 25, wins his ninth Test cap as England freshen up their pace bowlers after the gruelling exploits of the first Test. It means Atkinson misses out for the first time since making his debut in July.

Victory would give England a second consecutive series win in Pakistan following their 3-0 triumph in 2022.