England have announced a 16-member squad for the opening two Tests of their three-match home series against Pakistan, with Jordan Cox set to take the crucial No. 3 batting position following Jacob Bethell’s absence due to injury.
Bethell, who was expected to recover in time for the series, has been ruled out after requiring a longer rehabilitation period from a right knee injury sustained during England’s ODI series against India.
His unavailability has opened the door for Cox, who made his Test debut earlier this summer against New Zealand at The Oval, to move up the order and fill the first-drop role.
Meanwhile, Dan Lawrence has earned a Test recall for the first time in two years after an impressive County Championship campaign with Surrey.
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The 28-year-old batter is expected to slot in at No. 6 and provide England with an additional bowling option through his off-spin, replacing the all-round role previously occupied by former captain Ben Stokes, who recently retired from international cricket.
Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has missed out on selection, while Ollie Pope has returned to the squad as the reserve wicketkeeper-batter after being dropped during last winter’s Ashes series.
Fast bowler Brydon Carse has also been included after recovering from wrist and elbow injuries that kept him out at the start of the domestic season.
The series will also mark Joe Root’s first assignment since returning as full-time England Test captain following Stokes’ retirement. Root will begin his second stint as skipper at his home ground, Headingley, where the opening Test will begin on August 19.
England squad for first two Tests against Pakistan: 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.
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