Jacob Bethell will play no part in England’s three-match Test series against Pakistan after the 22-year-old was ruled out with a knee injury. England have named a 16-man squad that brings back Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Dan Lawrence. The series opens at Headingley on 19 August.

The squad announcement marks the start of a new era for England Test cricket following Ben Stokes’ international retirement and the departure of head coach Brendon McCullum. Joe Root returns as permanent Test captain for the first time since 2022. This is his first assignment back in charge. You can read more about that transition in our piece on Stokes Says Cricket’s Alcohol Culture Runs Deeper Than England.

Bethell Injury Opens Door for Cox at No 3

Bethell damaged his right knee during England’s ODI series against India last month, as Sky Sports reported. The injury ruled him out of The Hundred and now extends into the Pakistan series entirely. Essex wicketkeeper Jordan Cox, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in June and batted at No 7 on that occasion, has been handed the No 3 slot in his absence.

Cox gets his chance. England selector Marcus North, as reported by the Guardian, said the selectors view Cox as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and that he will be given the opportunity to bat at three throughout this series.

Pope and Carse Return After Ashes Absence

Pope and Carse both return to the Test set-up for the first time since England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year. Carse was England’s leading wicket-taker during that tour but missed much of the home summer with wrist and finger injuries. Pope had been dropped for Bethell ahead of the winter series and may initially find himself among the reserves, though he brings experience to a relatively young group.

Sam Cook, capped once against Zimbabwe last year, also keeps his place. The pace attack is rounded out by Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson and Matthew Fisher, giving England six frontline seamers for the first two Tests.

Lawrence Recalled on Back of Strong County Form

Dan Lawrence earns a recall to the Test squad roughly two years after his last appearance, which came against Sri Lanka in 2024, according to the Straits Times. He has been in strong form for Surrey in Division One of the County Championship this season. The Guardian noted he is likely to bat at No 6 and may also provide off-spin, potentially allowing Root to field four frontline pace bowlers at Headingley. Shoaib Bashir is retained as the squad’s front-line spinner.

Interim Coach in Place as Fleming Awaits

North told reporters that the selection aims to balance emerging talent with the experience required to face a capable Pakistan side. Marcus Trescothick serves as interim head coach for the series. Incoming head coach Stephen Fleming is not expected to join until September, and his backroom arrangements are still to be confirmed.

Headingley. 19 August. The first Test begins.