England announce squad for first two Pakistan Tests; Pope and Lawrence return, Bethell out

England have announced a 16-member squad for the first two Tests of the three-match series against Pakistan, which begins later this month. The series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Joe Root will lead the team following the retirement of Ben Stokes from Test cricket after the home series against New Zealand.

Surrey batters Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence have been recalled to the England squad. Lawrence returns to the Test side for the first time in two years, while Pope also earns a place after missing recent matches. The selectors have backed the experienced pair as England begin a new era in Test cricket.

Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the entire Pakistan series because of injury. In his absence, Jordan Cox is expected to bat at number three. The three-match series will also be England's first Test assignment since the retirement of Ben Stokes and the departure of former head coach Brendon McCullum.

Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse recalled as England name 16-man squad for Pakistan series

The announcement of England's squad has marked the beginning of the post-Ben Stokes era in Test cricket. Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse have both returned to the national side for the first two Tests against Pakistan. Joe Root will captain the team, while Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach before Stephen Fleming officially takes charge.

Fast bowler Brydon Carse returns after missing the 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand because of a right-hand injury. His comeback strengthens England's pace attack ahead of an important home series. The selectors included him in the 16-man squad after he regained full fitness.

See also -Watch: Mitchell Starc dismisses Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope in back-to-back overs in 2nd D/N Ashes 2025/26 Test

Ollie Pope has also earned a recall after being left out during the Ashes series in Australia, where he struggled with the bat. Seamer Sam Cook has been included as well after making his only Test appearance against Zimbabwe in May 2025. England will hope the returning players can help the team make a strong start against Pakistan.

Dan Lawrence's prolific Surrey season earns Test recall — Selector Marcus North explains the call

Dan Lawrence has earned a recall to England's Test squad after an outstanding season for Surrey in the County Championship. The 29-year-old has scored 788 runs in 13 innings at an average of 65.66, including five centuries. His impressive domestic form helped him return to the Test side after last playing for England in September 2024.

Lawrence is expected to bat at number six, filling the middle-order spot left vacant following Ben Stokes' retirement from Test cricket. Although he is not a direct replacement for the former captain, England believe his experience and consistency make him the right choice. In 14 Test matches, Lawrence has scored 671 runs, including four half-centuries.

See also -India vs Sri Lanka XI warm-up match 2026: Live streaming, squads and match timings

England men's national selector Marcus North praised Lawrence's performances and explained the reason behind his return. He said the squad combines experienced players with exciting young talent to face a strong Pakistan side. North also backed Jordan Cox to bat at number three, saying the young batter has a bright future and will replace the injured Jacob Bethell for the series.

England vs Pakistan Test Series 2026: Full schedule at a glance

England and Pakistan will face each other in a three-match Test series starting on August 19. The opening Test will be played at Headingley in Leeds, while the second match will take place at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground in London. The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9.

The series is important for both teams in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. England are currently seventh in the WTC standings, while Pakistan are eighth after drawing their recent Test series against the West Indies. Both teams will be looking to improve their position with a strong performance in this series.

England will also be aiming to end their poor run in Test cricket. The Three Lions have lost seven of their last nine Tests and have not won a Test series since December 2024. Playing at home gives them a good chance to bounce back, while Pakistan will hope to continue their recent improvement and challenge England in all three matches.

England vs Pakistan Test Series 2026 Schedule