Zak Crawley has been included in England’s team to play Pakistan in the second Test.

The Kent right-hander comes in to replace Ben Stokes, who misses the next two Tests due to family reasons. He has flown home to New Zealand.

Stokes’ absence has given Crawley the chance to impress again after a mixed performance against West Indies in England’s last series, scoring a Test-best 76 against the tourists but out first ball in England’s second Test.

He takes the no.3 spot in the team at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

Crawley had originally lost his place in the England team due to Stokes’ injury, which meant he could only bat, and meaning an extra bowler was needed in the line-ups. With Stokes out of contention the dynamics have now changed.

Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bat first. England are 1-0 up in the series thanks to a superb performance from Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler as they completed an unlikely run-chase in the first Test at Old Trafford.

Fellow Kent player Joe Denly hasn’t been included in the Test squad again.

He had linked up with the England ODI squad for the series against Ireland but a back injury ruled him out. He’s now set to return to domestic action, as Kent face Middlesex in the Bob Willis Trophy this Saturday.

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