LEEDS — Dan Lawrence is back in the Test fold after a two-year absence, named in England’s 16-man squad for the upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan.
The squad, unveiled by national selector Marcus North on Thursday ahead of the first Test at Headingley on August 19, marks a new chapter for an England side looking to snap a brutal skid.
Joe Root re-assumes the captaincy for his second stint at the helm following the Test retirement of Ben Stokes, while Marcus Trescothick takes charge as interim head coach before Stephen Fleming steps into the full-time role left by Brendon McCullum.
Lawrence, 29, last featured in Test colors as a fill-in opener against Sri Lanka in September 2024. A dominant run in the County Championship for Surrey — averaging over 65 with five centuries — forced his way back into the setup, where he is slated to lock down the No. 6 spot.
“Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season so far with Surrey,” North said. “We believe he has the right level of experience, maturity, and skill to complement our middle order.”
Injuries and form overhauls have dictated much of the top-order reshuffle. With Jacob Bethell sidelined through injury, 25-year-old Jordan Cox is set to slide up to the crucial No. 3 position.
Cox debuted against New Zealand at The Oval in June after Stokes missed the match due to a curfew violation.
“We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team,” North added, singling out Cox as “one of the most exciting talents in English cricket.”
The host side also regains former vice-captain Ollie Pope, recalled after being dropped during England’s 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia, and quick Brydon Carse, who returns from a hand injury suffered during the recent 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand.
Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir retains his spot, though England have yet to confirm if they will deploy a front-line spinner on Headingley’s deck.
England enter the series desperately searching for traction, having lost seven of their past nine Tests and remaining without a series win since December 2024. Pakistan head to Leeds fresh off a 1-1 series draw against the West Indies.
England Squad (First Two Tests): Joe Root (capt), Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Sam Cook, Matthew Fisher, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson.
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