England's fast bowler returns home from Pakistan midway through the Test series. Here’s why – India TV

England fast bowler Olly Stone will fly home in the middle of the Pakistan tour and the ongoing first Test in Multan. He is also unlikely to return in time for the second Test of the three games as Stone is getting married this weekend. The pacer made his comeback to the England Test team after three years of picking up seven wickets in two Tests against Sri Lanka at home and retained his place in the squad for the Pakistan tour.

But the visitors preferred Brydon Carse for the first Test in Multan and Stone had to warm up the bench. In fact, the 30-year-old is returning home earlier than originally planned after not being named in the starting eleven. With the second Test starting on October 15, Stone also has doubts about this clash. His return date will only be confirmed depending on the status of other fast bowlers in the squad.

Carse, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts and Chris Woakes are the other pacers in England's squad for the Test series. Stone's wedding date was planned and set long before he was recalled from England and that is why the team management is happy to be able to replace him in the middle of the tour. The cricketer also spoke to head coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key ahead of the tour about returning home after the first Test.

“We booked the wedding on the basis that I only played for Notts at the time. Jess said she was happy to postpone the wedding and I insisted on leaving it where it was if possible. For what she gave up and sacrificed for me.” “I thought the least I could do was try to make it work,” Stone told the BBC. “It's a special time in everyone's life. I'm really happy for him. I'm sure he's completely overwhelmed with everything that's going on, but it will be very special for him – and his wife – to start something new.” “At some point we'll all throw cold water on him and celebrate,” said Joe Root, expressing his wishes for Stone.