Pace bowler Brydon Carse said the idea of ​​playing Test cricket for England helped him get through a three-month ban for historic gambling offences.

The 29-year-old made his Test debut in the stunning win over Pakistan in Multan, just over a month after completing his suspension.

Carse was banned in May for placing 303 bets between 2017 and 2019, none on games in which he participated.

Cricket’s betting integrity rules state that players are not allowed to take part in matches anywhere in the world.

Asked if the prospect of playing for England had put him through some “difficult moments” during the suspension, Carse replied: “Yes, definitely.”

Carse was allowed to train during his suspension and retained his two-year contract with the England national team. Following James Anderson’s retirement, he might have been able to make his Test debut in the home summer had he not been suspended.

Instead, he returned in September for the white-ball series against Australia and then came into the Test squad for the record-breaking first Test loss to Pakistan.

Carse took four wickets in the match, another was written off by DRS and a catch was dropped. He was asked to bowl bouncers continuously for 38 overs in extreme heat and was credited for the fitness work done during his absence from the game.

“I had some time off to work on a few things I wanted to do and then maybe improve my fitness in certain areas,” he said.

“I came back refreshed and just want to perform well and play as much as possible for England.”

“I have some close relationships with the group of players we play with. I just really enjoyed the occasion.”

With victory in the second Test, which also begins on Tuesday in Multan, England wins the three-game series.

The tourists may be able to call on captain Ben Stokes, who has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury but hastened his return by training during the first Test.

Although Saturday was scheduled as a rest day, Stokes trained in the gym and the entire team had the opportunity to train on Sunday.

Pakistan will name its squad for the second Test after revamping its selection panel following the humiliation in the first Test.

Former captain Azhar Ali, pace bowler Aaqib Javed and team analyst Hassan Cheema have been added to the committee.

The most notable addition is Aleem Dar, who recently retired from the elite refereeing group after earning 453 caps in a 25-year career. The 56-year-old also played 17 first-class matches as a spin bowling all-rounder.