England hand Brydon Carse Test debut after Ben Stokes ruled out
The TelegraphJack Leach also returns to the side for the first time since he limped out of a Test match in Hyderabad in January. “I tried my hardest to get myself fit for this game, but have taken the call to miss this one because I’ve not quite managed to get game-ready,” Stokes said. I’ve got some good things to focus on, so even though I’m not playing I’ve got a goal in mind.” When asked if he will be fit for the second Test, also in Multan, that starts on October 15, Stokes was non-committal. I’ll be working just as hard over the next 10 days to try to get myself fit for the second Test.” It makes life a little easier for England when Stokes is categorically ruled out of the side rather than playing as a batsman, which ruins the balance of the team and forces them to choose between being a bowler or batsman light. Stokes signs central contract extension while five lose deals Stokes confirmed that he has signed a two-year central contract extension with England and Telegraph Sport understands that breakout star Jamie Smith is the only other player offered a multi-year deal.