England have named their squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan, with Dan Lawrence and Jordan Cox set to feature prominently, while Somerset players James Rew and Craig Overton have been overlooked.
The upcoming series marks the start of a new era following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket. Lawrence, Surrey’s batting all-rounder, is expected to step into the crucial number six batting position at Headingley on 19 August, tasked with the challenge of filling the considerable void left by the former Test captain.
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is likely to bat one position lower than Lawrence, while Jordan Cox has been given a significant opportunity to bat at first drop. Cox, who made his Test debut in June against New Zealand at the Kia Oval, is poised for a more prominent role after missing some previous matches due to injury. Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell will miss the three-match series after suffering a right knee injury, creating a vacancy that Cox is set to fill.
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Somerset’s James Rew, who also debuted in the Test against New Zealand, has not been included in the current squad. Similarly, fellow Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton-who has enjoyed a strong county season with three first-class hundreds and 33 wickets at an average below 20-was considered as a seam bowling all-rounder option but ultimately missed out.
Fast bowler Brydon Carse, who was sidelined with a right-hand injury during the recent series against New Zealand, has been recalled. The squad will be led by returning captain Joe Root with Marcus Trescothick acting as interim head coach in the absence of Stephen Fleming.
Ollie Pope, formerly vice-captain, has also been brought back into the squad after earlier being dropped during a disappointing Ashes campaign. Seamer Sam Cook, who made his sole Test appearance in May 2025 against Zimbabwe, is included as well.
Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir remains in contention, although it is uncertain whether he will retain his place in the starting XI, especially with Lawrence, who also bowls useful off-spin, confirmed in the team.
Lawrence’s recall follows an impressive season in the Rothesay County Championship, where he has averaged 65.66 with five centuries in eight Division One matches. He has not played Test cricket since September 2024 due to struggles batting out of position as an opener against Sri Lanka.
Selectors had to choose among bowling all-rounders to balance the team in Stokes’ absence. Both Sam Curran and Rehan Ahmed were considered. However, Craig Overton was not selected despite his form this season.
National selector Marcus North commented:
“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.”
The full England squad for the initial two Tests against Pakistan is: Joe Root (captain), Jamie Archer, George Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matt Fisher, Ed Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.