The Surrey duo Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence have been recalled to the England squad for the upcoming first two-match test series against Pakistan.
The three-match test series against Pakistan will be the first series after the retirement of Ben Stokes and Brendan McCullum’s sacking from the head coach position.
However, Jacob Bethell will be ruled out of the entire series due to injury, with Jordan Cox to be promoted to number three.
Joe Root will be leading the side after being reappointed as test captain in July, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim head coach.
Meanwhile, Stephen Fleming, who was appointed as head coach, will begin his tenure for the South Africa tour in December.
Apart from Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, and Brydon Carse will be returning to the 16-member squad.
Joe Root is back as captain, and some familiar faces also are making their return 😍 pic.twitter.com/imQamKKjjr
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 6, 2026
Speaking on the selection, England men’s national selector Marcus North said, “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,” North added.
“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 first test match will be played at Headingley starting on August 19, while the second and third test matches will be played on August 27 and September 13 at London and Birmingham.
England Squad for Pakistan Tests: Joe Root (c), 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, Josh Tongue