Ben Stokes should be fit for England's second Test against Pakistan after illness
Thursday 22 October 2015 06:54, UK
England all-rounder Ben Stokes looks set to be fit for the second Test against Pakistan after recovering from a stomach bug.
The 24-year-old missed England's first practice session at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday due to illness, but he was able to take part in training on Wednesday, despite early-morning concerns that he remained in a bad way.
Stokes should therefore be available to take his place in the England side when the match commences on Thursday.
However, with temperatures very high in Dubai, the tourists could opt not to risk Stokes if he has not made a complete recovery ahead of the game.
England captain Alastair Cook said at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday: "He's had a virus, a 24-hour bug and he didn't look very well yesterday apparently, but he's here now for training and we'll just see.
"He should be fine, but we have got to be careful, it depends how badly he has been knocked about. Five days in this heat - you need to be 100 per cent before you start.
"I think he'll be fine but we'll see how he gets through training today and make a decision tomorrow morning. He'll know how his body feels and how empty he is."
Stokes took 4-57 as Pakistan made 523-8 declared in their first innings in last week's drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi and followed that up with 57 as England replied with 598-9 declared.
If Stokes is passed fit, Cook has hinted that England are likely to name an unchanged side after they went close to winning the first Test on a dramatic final day.
There have been suggestions they may decide to rest seamer Mark Wood, who has been troubled by an ankle problem, with Liam Plunkett a likely replacement, while a third spinner could also be an option with Samit Patel coming into the side alongside Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid.
Cook added: "Everyone else has pulled up pretty well.
"I haven't seen the wicket, whether it is a three-spinner wicket here or not, so we have to look at that option to see whether we need it or not. But my gut instinct is we will probably stay the same."
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