England have named their squad for the first Test against Pakistan, starting at Headingley on 19 August, with notable omissions from Somerset players James Rew and Craig Overton. The three-match series marks the beginning of the post-Ben Stokes era.
Surrey’s batting all-rounder Dan Lawrence is set to step into Stokes’s shoes, batting at number six. Lawrence, who has demonstrated strong form with five centuries and an average of 65.66 in eight County Championship Division One matches, returns to international cricket after his last Test appearance in September 2024. His ability to contribute useful off-spin bowling adds balance to the side.
With Jacob Bethell sidelined due to a right knee injury, Jordan Cox has been elevated to the critical batting position of number three. Cox, who made his Test debut in June against New Zealand, is considered one of England’s most exciting young talents. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is expected to bat just below Lawrence in the order.
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Despite an impressive domestic season where he has scored three centuries and taken 33 wickets at an average of 19.54, Somerset’s Craig Overton was not selected. Similarly, James Rew, who debuted alongside Cox in the previous Test, has missed out on the squad.
Fast bowler Brydon Carse, who missed the recent Test series against New Zealand due to a right-hand injury, has been included in the 16-man squad along with seamer Sam Cook and former vice-captain Ollie Pope. Pope was recalled following his omission after a challenging Ashes series.
Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir remains part of the squad but could face competition for his spot given Lawrence’s bowling capabilities. The experienced Joe Root will lead the team as captain, with Marcus Trescothick acting as interim head coach in Stephen Fleming’s absence.
Selector Marcus North emphasised the balance within the squad, stating:
“We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.
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.
Jordan Cox is well regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at 3 in place of Jacob Bethell, who sadly misses this series through injury.”
England’s squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan is: Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, George Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matt Fisher, Ezra Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.