England may have won the series opener against Pakistan but the absence of Ben Stokes leaves them with arguably the bigger selection headache going into Thursday’s second Test at Southampton. Pakistan were much the better side for much of last week’s first Test at Old Trafford and, despite a second-innings collapse, were still favourites to win when they reduced England to 117-5 in pursuit of a target of 277. But a sixth-wicket partnership of 139 between Chris Woakes (84 not out) and Jos Buttler (75) turned the tide as England went 1-0 up in a three-match series on Saturday. Since England won with more than a day to spare in Manchester, it has been announced that star all-rounder Stokes will miss the rest of the series as a result of travelling to New Zealand to be with his ill father. (LIVE SCORECARD)
Live Match Updates of England Vs Pakistan 2nd Test Day 1, straight from The Rose Bowl Stadium, Southampton
14:31 (IST)
Hello and welcome!
Hello and welcome to the live blog of second Test between England and Pakistan. Having won the series opener, England will be without the services of their vice-captain Ben Stokes who withdrew his name due to family reasons.