Pakistan vs England, 2nd Test: Ben Stokes doubtful but Yasir Shah expected to return

Stokes may miss the second Test due to a stomach bug

England’s Ben Stokes may miss the all-important second Test against Pakistan owing to a stomach bug, reports BBC Sport. The 24-year-old reportedly missed a training session on Tuesday and skipper Alastair Cook is still unsure whether the all-rounder will be fit in time for the match which begins on Thursday.

Stokes’ non-availability will dent their batting and bowling options considerably, but Cook said that a final decision will be taken only on the morning of the Test match.

"In these conditions, it takes a lot of energy to perform at your peak," said Cook. "You've got to be careful."

In case Stokes misses out, all-rounder Samit Patel, whose last match for England came more than two years ago, may get a look in. Choosing to look on the brighter side of things, Cook feels that an extra spinner in Asian conditions would always benefit the team.

"We said at the beginning of the tour that if the wicket demands three spinners, we will play three spinners. We've got that option and that wouldn't really affect the balance of the side as all three of our spinners can bat," he said.

Having narrowly missed out on victory in the series opener at Abu Dhabi after the umpires stopped play on the final day with the visitors just 25 runs away from a famous victory, Cook is confident that England can go one better in the second Test. The opener also added that he wants his side to be the first team to achieve the feat of beating Pakistan in their second ‘home’, the UAE.

Comparing the feat to beating India in India, Cook said: “Two good sides (India and Pakistan) in their home conditions. No-one has beaten Pakistan here yet and I would be great to be the first side to do it,” Cook said, as reported by The Express Tribune.

Yasir Shah to boost Pakistani bowling line-up

Cook acknowledged the danger posed by Yasir Shah

Yasir Shah is expected to make to feature in the second Test after missing out on the series opener with a back injury. The 29-year-old has had a remarkable record in his short career so far, picking up 61 wickets in just 10 Tests at an average of over 24. He’s currently placed 5th in the ICC Test bowlers ranking.

Cook is well aware of the danger posed by Shah and has advised his team to be careful about his exploits.

"We've obviously clearly got videos and a couple of the guys have faced him in a one-day game. Once a guy lets go of the ball, it doesn't come down with a name on it, you've just got to react to it and make sure that you're clear on how you play a leg-spinner. He is a very good bowler, but he's not this superhuman guy who takes a wicket every time he bowls." he remarked.

Cook’s Pakistani counterpart Misbah-ul-Haq is, however, looking forward to welcoming back Shah into the side and talked up his impact.

"Over the last year he has been superb and he is the standout bowler for us. He creates a lot of pressure and we'll be really confident if he comes back in the side," Misbah said.

Cook not thrilled by Bilal Asif’s chances of playing

Bilal Asif is allowed to play despite being reported for suspect action

Another Pakistani bowler who is in the loop for the second Test is off-spinner Bilal Asif. The 30-year-old was booked for suspect bowling action during the recent series against Zimbabwe but is allowed to play for now, as the report on his action is still pending – a decision Cook clearly doesn’t agree with and called for a much stringent system to check bowling actions.

"I think it's a little bit strange to be honest. Once you've been reported, you'd hope a system is in place that is quick. But that's just the way it is and if that's what we have to face, that's what we have to face." Cook stated.