Worn wicket is simply not cricket

BEN'S BACK, SO IS PITCH

- Rory Dollard

ENGLAND have been thrown a curve-ball ahead of Ben Stokes' likely comeback in the second Test tomorrow - with Pakistan ready to reuse the pitch in Multan.

Stokes looks set to return after missing four games with a torn hamstring, and could do so in highly unusual circumstances as the Pakistan Cricket Board prepare to use the 22-yard strip the teams played on last week.

After being hammered in the series opener by an innings and 47 runs, it appears the hosts have sought a left-field solution.

The track was flat for the first Test, with first-innings totals of 556 and 823-7 and just 13 wickets taken over the first three days.

Pakistan seem ready to gamble on a worn wicket offering more balance between bat and ball than a pristine one.

It may prove an interesting conundrum for Stokes to solve if the England captain returns to the side.