Tue Oct 15 10:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Stokes Returns to Action as England Seek to Extend Dominance in Pakistan

Multan, Pakistan: England’s returning captain Ben Stokes believes Pakistan’s decision to re-use the pitch for the second Test will make for a more exciting and unpredictable match. Stokes, who is making his comeback after a hamstring injury, acknowledged that the decision to use the same wicket “made the decision a little bit easier” for him to return.

The move to re-use the pitch comes after Pakistan’s humiliating defeat in the first Test. England amassed a record-breaking 823 runs in their first innings, ultimately winning by an innings and 47 runs. This victory was a crushing blow for Pakistan, making them the first team in over 150 years of Test cricket to lose by an innings after scoring over 500 runs in their first innings.

The decision to re-use the pitch was met with mixed reactions. While some, like former England captain Kevin Pietersen, saw it as a desperate attempt to salvage the series, Stokes believes it will “bring a lot more into the game for both teams.” The re-used pitch is expected to offer more turn for the spinners and potentially reverse swing for the seamers, creating a more balanced contest.

“If we went 1-0 down at home, we would probably be going to our groundsman saying ‘can we have a bit more of this, bit more of that’ to use our home advantage in our favour,” Stokes said. “Using a used pitch brings a lot more into the game for both teams.”

Stokes himself is looking forward to the challenge, having spent the past two months recovering from his injury. He is keen to prove his fitness and make an impact in the series.

“I’ve had a fair few injuries. It is a part of what we do, part of how I play cricket, and my role. Injuries are frustrating but I like to keep a positive mindset. The thing that allows me to do that is telling myself, ‘when you get back on the field make sure you’re fitter than you were when you got injured’,” Stokes said.

England are currently on a four-match winning streak in Pakistan, having whitewashed the home side in December 2022. A victory in the second Test will further cement their dominance and put them in a strong position to secure another series win.

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