Jacob Bethell, who picked up a right knee injury during the Hundred a couple of weeks ago, will sit out the first two Test games against Pakistan, confirmed the England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday. In his stead, Jordan Cox, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in June, would bat at No. 3.
Lawrence rewarded for County Championship heroics
The 16-member squad features several recalled names, most notably including Dan Lawrence. Having last played a Test in 2024, Lawrence became hard to pass up after his incredible run in the County Championship. Representing Surrey in County Division One, he notched up 788 runs in eight games, including five hundreds. That is the third-most by any Surrey batter in a single edition.
For England, the timing of Lawrence’s purple patch could not have been any better. He would be a good fit to fill Ben Stokes’ spot, with his offspin making him a decent all-rounder option.
Ollie Pope back
Besides him, England have also called up his fellow Surrey batter Ollie Pope, who has been out of the side since his axing midway through the Ashes 2025. Pope’s recall, however, isn’t as incontestable as Lawrence’s. Despite having County Championship runs to show for, where he boasts a 56 average in seven games this season, Pope would not walk into the side with a spot already waiting for him.
England have also given a call-up to seamers Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, and Ollie Robinson, but the bowling attack would be without spinner Rehan Ahmed.
“We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team,” said England’s selector, Marcus North.
“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.
“Jordan Cox is well regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at No. 3 in place of Jacob Bethell, who sadly misses this series through injury.”
England squad for first two 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 and Josh Tongue.
Series schedule:
1st Test: August 19-23 – Headingley
2nd Test: August 27-31 – Lord’s
3rd Test: September 9-13 – Edgbaston
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