Key Takeaways
- Dan Lawrence is recalled to the England Test team after a two-year absence.
- Jordan Cox replaces Jacob Bethell and will bat at number three.
- Joe Root leads the side in the first Test starting on August 19 at Headingley.
England have announced their squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, with notable changes including the recall of Dan Lawrence from a two-year international hiatus. Lawrence will join the middle-order lineup to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of captain Ben Stokes.
The Surrey batsman, who last played an international match in September 2024, is set to bat at number six under national selector Marcus North’s announcement on Thursday. This move comes as part of a broader squad that includes Jordan Cox, replacing Jacob Bethell, who will take up the position at number three.
Joe Root has been appointed as the team captain for the first Test, which begins on August 19 at Headingley. The series consists of three matches, with the second and third Tests scheduled to follow.
Lawrence’s return is seen as a strategic move by England selectors, given his impressive form in the County Championship this season, where he has averaged over 65 runs per innings with five centuries. His experience and recent performances are expected to bolster the team’s batting lineup against Pakistan.
Jordan Cox, who made his debut in June during the New Zealand series, will also feature prominently in the squad. The 25-year-old fast bowler replaces Jacob Bethell after the latter was injured. Brydon Carse, another player returning from injury, is included to add depth to the bowling attack.
The team’s interim head coach will be Marcus Trescothick, with former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming set to take over as England’s red-ball supremo following his appointment.
Ollie Pope, who was discarded after a poor Ashes performance in Australia, has also been recalled. His return is expected to provide additional batting depth and experience for the team.
England’s focus on rebuilding their Test squad with experienced players like Lawrence and Pope aims to strengthen their lineup ahead of the crucial series against Pakistan.
