England announce a 16-member squad for Pakistan Tests, with Dan Lawrence and Ollie Pope returning, while Jordan Cox replaces injured Jacob Bethell.

ENG vs PAK: England have announced their 16-member squad for the first two Tests of the upcoming series against Pakistan, with Dan Lawrence and Ollie Pope returning to the side. Jordan Cox is expected to take the No. 3 position, while Jacob Bethell will miss the series due to a knee injury.

The three-match Test series will begin on August 19 at Headingley, marking a new chapter for England following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket. Joe Root will take charge as England’s Test captain, beginning his second stint in the leadership role.

Dan Lawrence Returns After Nearly Two Years

The return of Dan Lawrence is one of the biggest talking points in England’s squad. The Surrey batter last appeared for England in a Test match in September 2024.

Lawrence earned his recall after an excellent County Championship season. He has scored 788 runs at an average of 65.66, including five centuries from 13 innings for Surrey.

The 28-year-old is expected to bat at No. 6, the position left open following Stokes’ retirement. Lawrence can also provide an off-spin option, although his bowling role is unlikely to replicate the all-round impact Stokes offered England.

During this County Championship season, Lawrence has claimed nine wickets from 178.2 overs.

Ollie Pope Gets Another Opportunity

Ollie Pope has also been brought back into the England Test squad after losing his place following a difficult run with the bat.

The former vice-captain was replaced at No. 3 by Jacob Bethell during the latter stages of the Ashes in Australia. He was subsequently left out of the squad for England’s Test series against New Zealand.

However, Pope has responded strongly in domestic cricket. He has scored 510 runs at an average of 56.66 for Surrey, including five half-centuries or better.

With Bethell unavailable because of his knee injury, Jordan Cox is expected to move into the top-order role. Cox made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval and could now get an extended opportunity at No. 3.

Jacob Bethell Ruled Out With Knee Injury

Jacob Bethell will not be part of England’s squad for the Pakistan Tests after suffering a knee injury.

His absence has opened the door for Cox to take on a more prominent batting role. The situation also gives Pope an opportunity to push for a permanent return to England’s Test setup.

England will be hoping the combination of experienced campaigners and emerging players can provide stability in the batting order against Pakistan.

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Sam Cook and Brydon Carse Return

Fast bowler Sam Cook has also been recalled to the England squad. Cook made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in May 2025 but was not used during the subsequent Test series against India.

Brydon Carse is another notable inclusion. He returns after recovering from a broken wrist that ruled him out of the IPL and the early part of England’s home Test summer.

Meanwhile, spinner Shoaib Bashir has retained his place. He featured in the first and third Tests against New Zealand after being left out of England’s Ashes squad.

Joe Root Begins Second Stint as Test Captain

The Pakistan series will be the first Test assignment for England since Ben Stokes retired from international cricket and Brendon McCullum ended his tenure as head coach.

Joe Root will lead the side after returning to the captaincy in July. Marcus Trescothick will oversee the team on an interim basis before Stephen Fleming takes over coaching responsibilities ahead of England’s South Africa series in December.

Root’s return to the captaincy adds another layer of interest to a Test side undergoing significant changes.

England Squad for First Two Tests vs Pakistan

England’s 16-member squad for the opening two Tests is:

Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

When Does England vs Pakistan Test Series Begin?

The three-match Test series between England and Pakistan will begin on August 19 at Headingley. England’s squad features a mix of established names, returning players and younger talent as the team enters a new phase under Joe Root’s captaincy.

The return of Dan Lawrence and Ollie Pope, along with Jordan Cox’s expected promotion, will be among the key storylines when England begin their campaign against Pakistan.