To avoid dropping a batter, or even leaving out wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and handing the gloves to Ollie Pope, England could play four specialist bowlers and lean on Joe Root’s off-spin.
Curiously, balancing the side might be easier if Stokes is ruled out completely. Pope would continue to deputise as skipper, Smith could remain at six, leaving space for the five bowlers, which seems particularly necessary in temperatures of around 36 degrees.
Crawley said the Multan pitch currently has a “green tinge”, so England may feel the need for three seamers and two spinners.
With pace bowler Olly Stone set to leave the tour for his wedding and Josh Hull ruled out of the tour with a quad injury, Brydon Carse could be in line for a Test debut, possibly vying for a place in the side with Durham team-mate Matthew Potts.
“We’ve got a really deep squad, with plenty of options with the ball and with the bat as well,” added Crawley.
“We’ve got bowlers who can bat really well, as proven in the summer. We feel ready. Whatever team comes out, it will be a nice balance either way.”
Crawley is also returning from an injury after spending more than two months out with a broken finger.
The 26-year-old damaged the little finger on his right hand attempting a slip catch as England wrapped up a 3-0 series win over West Indies at Edgbaston in July.
He was unable to hold a bat for five weeks, then returned to training just over two weeks ago. Though Crawley believes he is fit to return to his usual fielding position of second slip, he has been given medical advice to refrain from doing so yet.
“I feel brand new,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting out there. I’ve certainly missed it, so I can’t wait to get out there again with the boys.
“I’ve come back with a new hunger. I feel like I’ve got a lot of energy. No one wants any time out and I wouldn’t choose to do it again, but I’ve taken some positives from it for sure.”
Test Match Special will have live ball-by-ball commentary of England’s tour of Pakistan on BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website and app, and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.
