Ollie Pope says ace all-rounder Ben Stokes' absence will not affect Eng in ongoing series

Ollie Pope has said that Ben Stokes' absence will t affect England as y are t reliant on one player. stellar all-rounder Ben Stokes is set to miss remainder of Test series against Pakistan due to family reasons. Stokes, who has been instrumental in England's squ, h a dim-lit performance in first Test at Manchester. all-rounder will leave United Kingdom later this week and travel to New Zealand. His far Ged, was hospitalised last December in South Africa during England's tour and has since been kwn to be recuperating in Christchurch, New Zealand. all-rounder h a spectacular outing against West Indies last month where he was also chosen as captain in Joe Root's absence (for first Test at Southampton).

'We are t reliant on one player':  Ollie Pope

”re are bigger things than cricket and it is important that Ben Stokes is able to spend time with his family but he will be a massive miss for us for rest of series against Pakistan. He is probably best cricketer in world at moment, a game-changer, and even if he does miss out with bat or ball, his aura on pitch or slip catching still influences games,” wrote Pope in his column for Sky Sports.

“To have him around is awesome but, as we showed in previous Test, we are t reliant on one player. We have guys who step up to mark,”   middle-order batsman ded.

Can England seal series?

hosts seemed to be down and out at one st after y were bundled out for 219 in ir first innings in reply to Pakistan's total of 326 riding on an outstanding ton from opener Shan Masood as visitors got a huge first-innings le of 107 in opening Test match at Old Trafford in Manchester. neless, visitors failed to capitalise in ir second innings as y were bundled out cheaply for 167 to set a target of 277 runs for England who in reply were starring down barrel at 117/5 but Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes h or ideas as y me a stellar contribution lower down order. duo ded 139 runs for sixth-wicket stand and brought England on verge of a famous win.

Unfortunately, Buttler was trapped plumb in front of wicket for an outstanding 75 that included seven boundaries and a maximum. Even though home side lost wicket of Stuart Bro as well, Woakes ensured that re were furr hiccups and helped England cross finish line by three wickets.

second Test will be played at as Rose Bowl in Southampton on Thursday i.e. August 13. England will be hoping to seal three-match series while Pakistan will be looking to settle scores.  Meanwhile, it also remains to be seen wher Pak will be selecting six bowlers in ir Playing XI in place of a batsman on a wicket that is expected to slow down as contest progresses. 

At same time, James Anderson (590) will also be hoping to make ball do talking as he races towards 600 Test scalps that will make him first and only pacer to pick up 600 scalps in international cricket. veteran Test specialist h a forgettable outing in series opener as he could only man a solitary scalp in both innings.

RE: Meme Fest Ensues As Pakistan Snatch Defeat From Jaws Of Victory Against Eng In 1st Test

(Im Courtesy: AP)