England recall Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope and Sam Cook for Pakistan Test series

England have recalled Dan Lawrence from two years of Test exile to face Pakistan, with the batsman pencilled in to fill the middle-order vacancy created by the retirement of captain Ben Stokes. National selector Marcus North, announcing a 16-man squad for the first two matches of the three-Test series on Thursday, confirmed Lawrence would bat at number six. Jordan Cox, who replaces the injured Jacob Bethell, will bat at number three. Joe Root leads the side after being appointed for a second stint, with the first Test starting at Headingley on August 19. Lawrence has been in the international wilderness since he made his 14th Test appearance in September 2024, playing out of position as an opener against Sri Lanka. The Surrey batter, 29, has been in impressive form in the County Championship this season, averaging more than 65, with five centuries. Cox, 25, made his debut against New Zealand in the second Test at the Oval in June, when he replaced Stokes, who was omitted after he broke a team curfew. Fast bowler Brydon Carse is included after missing the 2-1 series loss to New Zealand because of an injury to his right hand. Marcus Trescothick will be the hosts’ interim head coach before former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming replaces compatriot Brendon McCullum as England’s red-ball supremo. Former England vice-captain Ollie Pope has also been recalled, having been discarded after a run of low scores during England’s 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been retained, although it remains to be seen if England will deploy a specialist slow bowler in Leeds. England have lost seven of their past nine Tests and are without a series win since December 2024. “We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team,” said former Australia batter North. “Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season so far with Surrey, and we believe he has the right level of experience, maturity and skill to complement our middle order,” he added. “Jordan Cox is well regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at three in place of Jacob Bethell, who sadly misses this series through injury.” Pakistan will arrive off the back of drawing a two-Test series 1-1 with the West Indies. England squad for the first two Tests: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (capt), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wkt), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Sam Cook, Matthew Fisher, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson

England have announced a 16-member squad for the first two Test matches against Pakistan with Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Sam Cook returning to the Test setup. The five-match Test series will begin at Headingley on August 19.The biggest setback for England is the absence of Jacob Bethell, who has been ruled out of the entire Test series after suffering a right knee injury during the ODI series against India in July, 2026.Dan Lawrence Back After 2 YearsDan Lawrence has earned a recall to the Test side after an impressive domestic season with Surrey. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in Division One of the County Championship and is expected to bat at No. 6.The 28-year-old last played a Test match in 2024 against Sri Lanka and now gets another opportunity to cement his place in the middle order.Jordan Cox To Replace Injured BethellJordan Cox, who made his Test debut against New Zealand, has been promoted to bat at No. 3 in place of the injured Bethell.England's selectors have shown confidence in the young batter, who impressed during his first taste of Test cricket.Pope, Carse And Cook ReturnOllie Pope and fast bowler Brydon Carse are back in the Test squad for the first time since Ashes series in Australia.Seamer Sam Cook also returns after making his Test debut against Zimbabwe.Meanwhile, Joe Root will captain England in a permanent role for the first time since 2022. The opening Test at Headingley will also be special for Root as it will be played at his home ground.England Squad for First Two Tests vs PakistanJoe Root (Captain)Jofra ArcherGus AtkinsonShoaib BashirHarry BrookBrydon CarseSam CookJordan CoxBen DuckettMatthew FisherEmilio GayDan LawrenceOllie PopeOllie RobinsonJamie SmithJosh TongueSelector Explains Squad ChoicesEngland men's national selector Marcus North said that the squad combines experienced players with emerging talent ahead of the Pakistan series.England Cricketer Sam Curran Takes Fiancé Isabella Grace To Wimbledon 2026 Finals Ahead Of IND Vs. ENG ODI SeriesHe praised Dan Lawrence for his excellent performances in county cricket and said his experience and form make him a valuable addition to the middle order.North also backed Jordan Cox to succeed at No. 3, saying the youngster is one of England's brightest batting talents and deserves the opportunity to replace the injured Jacob Bethell.

Jordan Cox handed No 3 position due to Bethell injuryRoot’s first assignment back as captain is at HeadingleyLife after Ben Stokes begins with a reshuffle of England’s Test squad. Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence and Sam Cook have all earned recalls for the start of the three-match series against Pakistan, while Jordan Cox also returns and will bat at No 3 after Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the series through injury.Joe Root’s first assignment back as permanent Test captain gets underway at Headingley on 19 August and a 16-strong squad means plenty of options at his disposal. Without a genuine all-rounder post-Stokes, the big question will be whittling this number down to give Root a balanced XI. Continue reading...