England star Ollie Pope has revealed Ben Stokes is aiming to come back for the Three Lions’ second Test against Pakistan in Multan.
The Three Lions skipper was forced to watch on as his side won their series-opening match by an innings and 47 runs.
England were outstanding during the clash, posting a huge 823 in response to the hosts’ 556.
They were then able to bowl out Pakistan for 220 to clinch victory in yet another impressive showing under coach Brendon McCullum.
England star Ollie Pope has revealed Ben Stokes is aiming to come back for the Three Lions’ second Test against Pakistan in Multan
PA
Pope, speaking after the win, has now opened up on Stokes.
He says the England star is aiming to return for the second Test, which is due to commence on October 15.
Pope isn’t sure whether he’ll be able to, however. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I’m actually not 100 per cent.
“He’s been training really well this week. He’s as keen as ever to get playing again, so fingers crossed he’s all good.”
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Pope was jubilant after England’s win.
Harry Brook was the star of the show, with the batter hitting a terrific 317 runs from 322 balls – including 29 fours.
And Joe Root wound back the years with a vintage display, with the Three Lions icon hitting 262.
Pope, reacting to the win, said: “Amazing.
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“The way Rooty and Brooky batted was phenomenal even coming off the field after the first innings we knew 550 was a lot of runs.
“We didn’t know how much it [the pitch] was going to break up, but it held together pretty nicely and the boys cashed in.
“Credit to those two and the bowlers with how they operated.
“We set some different plans, it felt like we had to get quirky with a few players but a satisfying win.
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“I knew it was going to be test, on a pitch like that. We had to find way of taking wickets, as captain you have to try get creative and set different plans.
“That was the main challenge for me trying to find a way of taking 10 wickets and being OK with them getting those runs and keeping your head if someone did get in.”
Pope added: “Obviously when a team bats and makes 556 you think you are in the driving seat.
“But when you come out to bat again and you are 260 odd runs behind, with the pitch three days older than it was when you first batted, is never easy.
England star Ollie Pope was proud of his side after they beat Pakistan
PA
“We felt like we had a lot of different wicket-taking opportunities – the odd one was staying low, the ball was reversing and the odd ball to spin as well.
“It’s never an easy position when you are 260 runs behind and even if you bat as well as you can and make 400 in that last innings then we would still have backed ourselves to chase it.”