ENGLAND vs PAKISTAN: England have announced their 16-player squad for the first two Tests of the upcoming three-match series against Pakistan, which begins on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds. The series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle and will be the start of a new chapter for England’s Test side under Joe Root, who returns as the captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement from the longest format. The hosts have made a few notable changes to the squad, recalling Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse, while Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the entire series with a knee injury.
Dan Lawrence Returns as Bethell Injury Forces England Change
One of the biggest talking points from England’s squad announcement is the return of Dan Lawrence, who has been recalled to the Test side for the first time in two years. The 29-year-old has forced his way back into contention after an exceptional County Championship campaign with Surrey, where he has scored 788 runs in 13 innings at an average of 65.66, making him one of Division One’s leading run-scorers.
Lawrence is expected to strengthen England’s middle order, while Jamie Smith is likely to move down to No. 7 after batting higher during the recent Test series against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Jordan Cox is set to replace the injured Jacob Bethell at No. 3. Bethell sustained a right knee injury during England’s ODI series against India and has been ruled out of the entire Pakistan series. Cox, who made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this summer, will now get another opportunity to cement his place in the side.
England have also recalled pacer Sam Cook alongside Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse, both of whom return after missing recent Test assignments. Pope had been dropped following inconsistent performances, while Carse had been sidelined through injury.
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, Josh Tongue.
Joe Root Leads England Into New WTC Challenge Against Pakistan
The Pakistan series will be England’s first Test assignment since Ben Stokes retired from international red-ball cricket, with Joe Root returning as the full-time Test captain for the first time since stepping down from the role in 2022.
England will also enter the series under interim head coach Marcus Trescothick, with newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming set to officially take charge later this year before England’s tour of South Africa.
National selector Marcus North explained that the squad was selected to combine experienced campaigners with emerging talent capable of taking on a competitive Pakistan side.
The three-match series carries added significance in the ICC World Test Championship standings. England currently occupy seventh place, while Pakistan sit just behind them in eighth after drawing their recent series against the West Indies. Both teams will be eager to climb the table with valuable WTC points on offer.
England Tour of Pakistan 2026 Test Series Schedule
1st Test: August 19-23 – Headingley, Leeds
2nd Test: August 27-31 – Lord’s, London
3rd Test: September 9-13 – Edgbaston, Birmingham
