England have recalled Dan Lawrence to their Test squad for the first two matches against Pakistan, ending the batsman’s two-year absence from international red-ball cricket.
_x000D_National selector Marcus North announced the 16-man squad on Thursday. He confirmed that Dan Lawrence will bat at number six following the retirement of former captain Ben Stokes.
_x000D_The first Test of the three-match series will begin at Headingley on August 19.
_x000D_ _x000D_Dan Lawrence Earns Test Recall
_x000D_Dan Lawrence returns to England’s Test side after making his last appearance in September 2024.
_x000D_He played as an opener against Sri Lanka during that series but has since remained out of the national team.
_x000D_The 29-year-old Surrey batsman earned his recall after an outstanding County Championship season.
_x000D_Lawrence has scored five centuries and averages more than 65 this season.
_x000D_Marcus North praised Lawrence’s performances and said his experience and form made him the right choice for England’s middle order.
_x000D_ _x000D_Jordan Cox to Bat at Number Three
_x000D_Jordan Cox will replace the injured Jacob Bethell at number three.
_x000D_The 25-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June.
_x000D_He entered the side after Ben Stokes missed the match because of a breach of team discipline.
_x000D_England see Cox as one of the country’s brightest young batting talents.
_x000D_ _x000D_Joe Root Leads England Again
_x000D_Joe Root will captain England for a second spell.
_x000D_He leads a squad that combines experienced players with emerging talent.
_x000D_England hope the fresh-looking lineup can improve the team’s recent Test record against Pakistan.
_x000D_ _x000D_Brydon Carse Returns From Injury
_x000D_Fast bowler Brydon Carse returns after recovering from a right-hand injury.
_x000D_The injury forced him to miss England’s recent 2-1 Test series defeat against New Zealand.
_x000D_England have also retained off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.
_x000D_However, the team has not confirmed whether it will play a specialist spinner in the opening Test at Headingley.
_x000D_ _x000D_Marcus Trescothick to Coach First Two Tests
_x000D_Marcus Trescothick will serve as England’s interim head coach during the first two Tests.
_x000D_Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming will then take over as England’s permanent red-ball head coach.
_x000D_He succeeds Brendon McCullum in the role.
_x000D_ _x000D_Ollie Pope Returns to the Squad
_x000D_England have also recalled Ollie Pope.
_x000D_The former vice-captain lost his place after struggling during England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.
_x000D_His return gives England another experienced batting option for the Pakistan series.
_x000D_ _x000D_England Aim to End Poor Test Run
_x000D_England have struggled in Test cricket over the past year.
_x000D_The team has lost seven of its last nine Test matches.
_x000D_England have also failed to win a Test series since December 2024.
_x000D_Marcus North said the selectors wanted the right balance between experienced players and young talent.
_x000D_He praised Dan Lawrence for his excellent domestic season and backed Jordan Cox to succeed in the top order.
_x000D_ _x000D_Pakistan Arrive After West Indies Series
_x000D_Pakistan will travel to England after drawing their two-match Test series against the West Indies 1-1.
_x000D_The visitors will hope to build on that performance in the upcoming three-match contest.
_x000D_ _x000D_England Squad for the First Two Tests
_x000D_- _x000D_
- Joe Root (captain) _x000D_
- Ben Duckett _x000D_
- Emilio Gay _x000D_
- Jordan Cox _x000D_
- Harry Brook _x000D_
- Dan Lawrence _x000D_
- Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper) _x000D_
- Gus Atkinson _x000D_
- Brydon Carse _x000D_
- Jofra Archer _x000D_
- Josh Tongue _x000D_
- Shoaib Bashir _x000D_
- Sam Cook _x000D_
- Matthew Fisher _x000D_
- Ollie Pope _x000D_
- Ollie Robinson _x000D_