Key Takeaways
- Dan Lawrence has been recalled to England's squad after two years of Test exile.
- The 29-year-old will bat at number six in the middle order, replacing Ben Stokes who has retired as captain.
- Lawrence returns following an impressive season with Surrey, averaging over 65 runs per innings.
England have recalled Dan Lawrence to their Test squad after a two-year absence from international cricket. Marcus North, the national selector, announced the 16-man squad for the first two matches of the three-Test series against Pakistan on Thursday.
Lawrence will bat at number six in the middle order, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of captain Ben Stokes. Jordan Cox, who replaces Jacob Bethell due to injury, will take up the position at number three.
Joe Root has been appointed as the team's leader for a second stint, with the first Test set to begin on August 19 at Headingley.
The Surrey batsman, 29, has had an impressive season in the County Championship, averaging over 65 runs per innings and scoring five centuries. His return is seen as a boost for England's middle order.
Fast bowler Brydon Carse has also been included after missing the recent series against New Zealand due to injury. Former England vice-captain Ollie Pope has been recalled, having struggled with form during the Ashes series in Australia.
Shoaib Bashir remains in the squad as an off-spinner, although it is uncertain if a specialist slow bowler will be deployed for the upcoming matches.
England's recent performance has been poor, losing seven of their last nine Tests and failing to secure a series victory since December 2024. The selectors aim to balance rising talent with experienced players in this squad.
Former Australia batter Marcus North stated, 'We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.' He added, '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.'
We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.
Marcus North, National selector
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.
Marcus North, National selector
