Wed Oct 09 09:03:22 UTC 2024: ## Pakistan Captain Warns of Formidable England Despite Stokes Absence
**Multan, Pakistan** – Pakistan captain Shan Masood has issued a warning ahead of the first Test against England, stating that the visitors will still pose a significant threat despite the absence of their captain, Ben Stokes.
Stokes, who led England to a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan in 2022, is recovering from a hamstring injury. Ollie Pope, who successfully deputized in England’s recent series win over Sri Lanka, will lead the team in his absence.
Masood acknowledged Stokes’ immense talent but emphasized that England’s strength goes beyond one individual. “We all know the quality of Ben Stokes,” said Masood on Sunday. “He is one of the top all-rounders of the world. But England’s strength will not lessen with one individual missing. They are still very competitive.”
He highlighted England’s balanced squad, featuring all-rounders, two spinners, and three fast bowlers, making them a formidable opponent. “If you look at their playing eleven then it’s very balanced with all-rounders, and they have two spinners and three fast bowlers with deep batting, so their loss is that of an individual,” Masood added.
England, however, is coming off a tough period, with a 2-0 home defeat to Bangladesh last month adding to their winless streak in their last 10 home Tests.
Despite the recent struggles, Pope remains confident in his team’s ability. “They’ve obviously not had their strongest run recently, but we still see them as a highly skilled side,” said Pope. “They are a team we don’t take lightly.”
Pakistan, on the other hand, is looking to capitalize on England’s vulnerabilities with a bowling attack featuring Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Aamer Jamal, and Abrar Ahmed.
Jamal, who impressed in his debut series against Australia earlier this year, is expected to play a key role. With the retirement of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and the injury to Mark Wood, England’s pace bowling attack is considerably weakened.
Masood, however, remains wary of England’s new pace bowlers, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse. “You cannot underestimate anyone and need to be more cautious against any unknown player,” he said.
The three-Test series is set to begin on Monday in Multan, with the second Test also taking place in the same city from October 15th. The final Test will be held in Rawalpindi starting on October 24th.
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