Kathamndu : Ben Stokes was forced out of the England attack with a calf injury during the afternoon session at Old Trafford.

Stokes was two deliveries into his sixth over when he pulled up sharply having delivered the ball and was unable to stop a gentle push back past him from Younis Khan. He was unable to complete his over and limped off the pitch.

An ECB spokesman confirmed the injury was to Stokes' right calf and said he would not bowl again on the fourth day. That means the England attack has been reduced to four men as they attempt to bowl Pakistan out and level the series.

It was later confirmed that Stokes will be sent for an MRI scan on Tuesday. If he has sustained a torn calf muscle, rather than a strain, he could well be out of action for six weeks.

Stokes was making his return to the Test team having sustained a knee injury earlier in the summer. He was forced off the pitch at Headingley and subsequently underwent surgery.