With only one backup seamer, England face rotation challenge ahead of quick Multan turnaround

Despite scoring 823 runs in their only innings, England’s bowlers were only off the field for 150 overs – less than two days play – across the first Multan Test. They spent the same amount of time bowling Pakistan out in the first innings as they did batting, and were on the field for at least part of play on days one, two, four and five, with temperatures in the mid 30s.

Each of England’s three seamers; Brydon Carse, Chris Woakes and Gus Atkinson, bowled at least 22 overs in the first innings and between 12 and 16 in the second. Multan will also host the second Test, which starts on Tuesday (October 15). Ollie Stone, one of two seamers in England’s squad who did not play in the first Test, travelled home over the weekend to get married, leaving Matt Potts as the only spare pace bowler. England now face a dilemma over how best to rest and rotate their seam attack, or to stick with a winning side.

What will England do if Stokes is fit?

The crux of the issue depends on Ben Stokes‘ fitness. While he wasn’t fit to play in the first Test, he was visible throughout the game, training ahead of play and carrying the drinks. Even if he’s fit to bat in the second Test, there’s not guarantee his hamstring will withstand long spells on an unforgiving pitch in the heat. Thus, it’s unlikely England will pick him as part of a three-player seam attack, meaning they will need to drop one of their spinners, either Jack Leach or Shoaib Bashir.

That would extend their batting lineup, Woakes able to drop back down to eight if playing, and whichever combination of Carse, Atkinson and Potts capable to at least some degree with the bat. In terms of whether or not they will rotate Potts in for one of Woakes, Carse or Atkinson, will depend on how those three pull up in the next couple of days. Woakes was seen holding his hamstring at points during Pakistan’s second innings, while both Carse and Atkinson got through almost 50 overs each.

If England decide one spinner plus Joe Root’s off-breaks is not enough to allow the quicks enough breaks in between spells, and that in order to play Stokes must be able to bowl a significant chunk of overs, they will face a steeper dilemma over which of Woakes, Atkinson or Carse to drop. Carse was impressive on his debut, keeping his speeds up throughout the second innings and hammering away short of a length. It will likely be between one of Atkinson or Woakes if England land upon a two-man attack plus Stokes.

What will England do if Stokes doesn’t play?

If Stokes is not fit to slot back into the side, England have less of a dilemma. They will still need a three-man seam attack, and their conundrum will be over whether to change a winning side, or rotate someone out for Potts to come in. Potts has never played an overseas Test but was impressive for England Lions on their tour of India last winter. Given his particular skillset, he is likely to come in for one of Atkinson or Carse rather than Woakes.