Ben Stokes 'good to go' for England as Pakistan take drastic action for second Test

Ben Stokes could return to the line-up for the second Test against Pakistan on Tuesday after recovering from injury.

has missed the last four Test matches after tearing his hamstring while playing in The Hundred in August. But the England captain has been working hard on his fitness and is expected to return to the team following .

If he is selected, Stokes will take the captaincy reins back from vice-captain Ollie Pope, who has won three out of four Tests while in charge. England bowling consultant Jimmy Anderson said Stokes was raring to go, having been reduced to running on the drinks during the first Test.

"He looks great,” Anderson told Sport. “He has worked really hard on his fitness and is looking as strong as I've ever seen him… Knowing Ben, once he gets into the game, there will be no stopping him. He's just that sort of player. He's good to go: we'll just have to wait and see what he can do in the game."

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The second Test is on the same ground in Multan and Pakistan appear to have taken the unusual decision to use the same pitch again. Such a tactic is unheard of, but the home side are taking drastic action in a desperate bid for a win following six straight defeats and 11 home Tests without victory.

The wicket was called a “bowlers’ graveyard” by ex-England star Kevin Pietersen after England racked up 823-7 in their first innings. Yet Pakistan appear to be hoping the surface, which has seen 353.3 overs of action over the past week, will take spin.

Their approach became clear on Sunday morning, when giant fans were in place to dry the wicket after the cracked surface was watered and inspected by head coach Jason Gillespie and captain Shan Masood. Gillespie then had a lengthy conversation with head curator Tony Hemming, ahead of some big selection calls.

reports that Babar Azam will be dropped for the match having gone 18 Test innings without scoring a half-century. Pakistan going all-in on a worn pitch isn’t helped by the fact that Abrar Ahmed – their primary spinner from the first Test – will be unavailable after being hospitalised by his efforts. Spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are therefore in contention for selection.

England will put their faith in Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir, with Joe Root as a third spin option. Rehan Ahmed is another option, depending on how much Stokes and Brendon McCullum believe the pitch will turn. One thing is for sure: England were expecting a different kind of wicket for the second Test after Root and Harry Brook made hay.

"The ball is firmly in their court,” bowler Chris Woakes said. “When it's a home series and it's only three matches, and you lose the first, you'd like to think that the next two are going to be result wickets, whether that be green or turners. We'll see."