Pakistan captain Shan Masood warned on the eve of Monday’s first Test in Multan that his side would still be facing a formidable England, despite the absence of their captain Ben Stokes. Ollie Pope will again lead England after deputising successfully in the recent 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka as Stokes, 33, was ruled out as he recovers from a hamstring injury. “We all know the quality of Ben Stokes,” said Masood on Sunday ahead of the start of the three-Test series.

“He is one of the top all-rounders of the world. England’s strength will not lessen with one individual [missing],” he warned. “They are still very competitive.  If you look at their playing XI then it’s very balanced with all-rounders, and they have two spinners and three fast bowlers with deep batting,” Stokes led England to an emphatic 3-0 Test series victory on England’s last tour in 2022, the first time Pakistan had been swept at home.