England welcome back familiar faces for Pakistan tests in first series without Ben Stokes
Jacob Bethell misses out through a knee injury picked up against India last month
England have welcomed back Dan Lawrence, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook and Ollie Pope to their test squad for Pakistan as Joe Root prepares to begin his second stint as captain.
Listen to this article
The post-Ben Stokes era starts at Headingley on August 19 and Surrey’s batting all-rounder Lawrence is set to have the first crack at trying to fill the prodigious shoes of the former Test captain.
Lawrence and Jordan Cox have been earmarked to play in England’s first Test against Pakistan with Jacob Bethell set to miss the three-match series because of a right knee injury.
He is set to bat at number six with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith likely to slot in one place lower down, while Bethell being sidelined has opened the door for Cox, who has been allocated first drop in the batting order.
Read more: Newcastle announce arrival of new head coach Matthias Jaissle after shock Howe departure
Read more: Mohamed Salah lands in Turkey for Trabzonspor talks
Fast bowler Brydon Carse missed the 2-1 loss against the Black Caps earlier in the summer because of an injury to his right hand but he has been named in England’s 16-strong squad for the first two Tests, with Marcus Trescothick interim head coach in the absence of the newly-appointed Stephen Fleming.
Former vice-captain Ollie Pope has also been recalled, having been discarded after a disappointing Ashes in which he averaged 20.83 before making way for Bethell.
Sam Cook is also included, having made his lone Test appearance against Zimbabwe in May 2025 and been overlooked since.
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.
"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."