London, August 6, 2026: England have recalled Dan Lawrence to the Test squad after a two-year absence, with the Surrey batter set to occupy the middle-order position vacated by the retirement of captain Ben Stokes for the opening two matches of the three-Test home series against Pakistan.
England national selector Marcus North announced a 16-member squad on Thursday, confirming that Lawrence will bat at number six, while Jordan Cox has been named at number three in place of the injured Jacob Bethell.
Former captain Joe Root will lead England for a second spell, with the opening Test scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19.
Lawrence returns to the Test side after last featuring against Sri Lanka in September 2024, when he was used as an opener. The 29-year-old has earned his recall after an outstanding County Championship campaign for Surrey, scoring five centuries while averaging more than 65 this season.
Cox, 25, retained his place after making his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June, where he replaced Stokes following the latter’s omission for breaching team discipline.
Fast bowler Brydon Carse has also returned to the squad after recovering from the hand injury that ruled him out of England’s recent 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand.
Former vice-captain Ollie Pope has been recalled after being dropped during England’s Ashes series defeat in Australia, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has retained his place, although England have yet to decide whether to field a specialist spinner in Leeds.
Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the opening part of the series before former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming takes over from Brendon McCullum as England’s red-ball head coach.
Announcing the squad, Marcus North said England had selected a balanced group combining experienced players with emerging talent.
“We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team,” North said.
“Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season with Surrey, and we believe he has the experience, maturity and skill to strengthen our middle order.
“Jordan Cox is one of the most exciting young talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at number three in place of the injured Jacob Bethell.”
England enter the series under pressure after losing seven of their last nine Test matches and without a Test series victory since December 2024.
Pakistan, meanwhile, head to England after drawing their two-match Test series against the West Indies 1-1 following an eight-wicket victory in the second Test in Port of Spain.
England squad for the first two Tests: Joe Root (captain), Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Sam Cook, Matthew Fisher, Ollie Pope and Ollie Robinson.
