England cricket ace leaves Pakistan just two days into first Test after being overlooked
Olly Stone was left out by England as they begun their three-Test tour of Pakistan in Multan, and the Nottinghamshire star has flown home for a significant prior engagement
by Tom Victor · The MirrorEngland cricketer Olly Stone is flying home to the UK for his wedding after missing out on the first Test against Pakistan, leaving his involvement in the second Test at risk as well.
Nottinghamshire star Stone was overlooked in favour of Brydon Carse for the test in Multan, allowing him to make an earlier-than-planned flight home. He is due to get married on Saturday, with the wedding arranged before he earned an England recall.
The 30-year-old made his Test debut against Ireland in 2019, but injury issues have limited his involvement in the years since. However, after impressing in The Hundred and T20 action, he was named in the squad for the home series against Sri Lanka and the tour of Pakistan and took 3/35 against Sri Lanka at the Oval.
The second Test of the Pakistan tour, also in Multan, is due to begin on October 15. Even if Stone isn't back in time to feature there, he could be in contention for the third and final Test in Rawalpindi from October 24-28
"It’s a bit manic, but a nice problem to have," Stone told BBC Sport in September when asked about his upcoming wedding to fiancee Jess. "We booked the wedding on the basis of me only playing for Notts at the time.
"It wasn’t like I have ever put my life on hold, but in the past I’ve always looked at future series and not done stuff. Then you get injured, or not selected, and you think you should have just done what you wanted to do."
If Stone isn't back in time for the second Test, Ben Stokes could return to the side. According to ESPN, England's captain was out bowling on a practice strip, with a decision set to be made on whether or not he's ready to return after a hamstring injury.
What's the biggest event you've missed for a wedding? Have your say in the comments section
"It's a special time in anyone's life," Stone's team-mate Joe Root said, as reported by ESPN. "I'm really excited for him. I'm sure he is all over the place with everything that's going on, but it'll be very special for him - and his wife - starting a different chapter in his life. We'll all be raising a cold water to him at some point, celebrating."
England bowled Pakistan out for 556 on day two of the first Test, with test debutant Carse finishing with first innings figures of 2-74. They lost an early wicket of their own in reply, though, with Aamer Jamal taking a fine catch to send makeshift opener Ollie Pope back to the pavilion.
There was also an injury concern for England batter Ben Duckett. The 29-year-old, fielding at slip, appeared to dislocate his thumb taking the final catch of the day to force Pope into earlier-than-expected action.
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