Pakistan’s worst floods in recent months have affected the lives of millions of people and authorities in the Asian country estimate that torrential monsoon rains have caused more than $40 billion in damage.
“It’s very exciting to be back here after 17 years as a Test team,” Ben Stokes said on Monday. There is a sense of responsibility between the playr and the support group and it’s special to be here.
“It is very sad to see the floods in Pakistan earlier this year and it has had a significant impact on the country and the people. This game has given me a lot in my life and I think it’s right to give something back beyond cricket. I will donate my match fee from this Test series to Pakistan’s flood appeal” Ben Stokes said at the end.
The first Test starts in Rawalpindi on Thursday. England will be without fast bowler Mark Wood, who is recovering from a hip injury that ruled him out of the T20 World Cup semi-final and final in Australia.
Head coach Brendon McCullum said, “Mark will unfortunately not be able to make it to the first Test squad due to injury. We hope he is ready for the second Test and otherwise we have the whole team to choose from.”
McCullum said he wanted England to continue playing aggressive Test cricket through which they beat New Zealand and South Africa in the northern summer.
“One of the things we try to do is respect the conditions, but at the same time if we are given a chance to play aggressive and aggressive cricket, we will try to take that option,” McCullum said during England’s first practice session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
“That’s how the guys we have in our team play their cricket and that’s what gives them the most freedom and the best chance to perform at the highest level.
“We understand the size of the challenge we face. You don’t want easy challenges. You want to take the best in their circumstances… I don’t know if we will win the series or not. I can almost guarantee that when the captain comes here in 48 hours’ time he will say there will be no draw in the series. “Winning away from home is the biggest achievement you can achieve as a Test player and as a Test team.