LONDON: England have recalled batter Dan Lawrence to their Test squad after a two-year absence, with the 29-year-old set to fill the middle-order vacancy created by the retirement of former captain Ben Stokes for the upcoming three-match home series against Pakistan.
England national selector Marcus North announced a 16-member squad on Thursday for the opening two Tests, confirming that Lawrence will bat at number six.
The first Test between England and Pakistan is scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19, with Joe Root leading the side after being appointed captain for a second stint.
Lawrence has not played Test cricket since September 2024, when he featured as an opener against Sri Lanka. Since then, the Surrey batter has enjoyed an outstanding County Championship campaign, averaging more than 65 and scoring five centuries.
Meanwhile, Jordan Cox has been named to bat at number three after replacing the injured Jacob Bethell. The 25-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand in June after stepping in for Ben Stokes.
Fast bowler Brydon Carse also returns after recovering from a hand injury that ruled him out of England’s 2-1 Test series defeat to New Zealand.
Former vice-captain Ollie Pope has earned a recall after being dropped following England’s Ashes defeat in Australia, while off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has retained his place in the squad.
Former England opener Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach for the Pakistan series before former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming officially takes over as England’s Test coach, replacing Brendon McCullum.
Announcing the squad, Marcus North said England had opted for a blend of youth and experience.
“We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.”
Praising Lawrence’s return, North added:
“Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season with Surrey, and we believe he has the experience, maturity and skill to strengthen our middle order.”
He also backed Jordan Cox for the crucial number-three position.
“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 head into the series after losing seven of their last nine Test matches and are still searching for their first Test series victory since December 2024.
Pakistan, meanwhile, arrive in England after drawing their two-match Test series against the West Indies 1-1.
England squad for first two Tests
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (captain), 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.
