England announce Pakistan Test Squad with a surprise pick
England announce squad for Pakistan Test series
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named a 16-member squad for the opening two matches of the upcoming three-Test home series against Pakistan.
One of the biggest talking points is the promotion of Jordan Cox, who is expected to bat at No. 3 after Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a right knee injury.
The Pakistan Test series will begin on August 19 at Headingley.
Jordan Cox gets a big opportunity
Jordan Cox has earned a major chance to establish himself in England’s Test side.
He replaces Jacob Bethell, who suffered a knee injury during England’s recent ODI series against India. Although Bethell was initially expected to recover before the Pakistan Test series, doctors advised a longer rehabilitation period.
Cox made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this summer at The Oval. While he has batted at No. 3 only once in first-class cricket, he has opened the innings on several occasions and is regarded as one of England’s brightest young batters.
Dan Lawrence returns after two years
Dan Lawrence has also returned to England’s Test squad after a two-year absence.
The 28-year-old impressed with Surrey in the County Championship, scoring 788 runs at an average of 65.66. He has also registered five first-class centuries this season, the highest tally by any player.
Lawrence is expected to bat at No. 6 while also providing an off-spin bowling option following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket.
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Several familiar names back in the squad
Brydon Carse has returned after recovering from wrist and elbow injuries that kept him out earlier this season.
Sam Cook has retained his place after making his Test debut against Zimbabwe last summer.
Ollie Robinson also remains in the squad after taking seven wickets during the opening Test against New Zealand before missing the remaining matches.
Ollie Pope returns as England’s reserve wicketkeeper-batter, while Rehan Ahmed has not been included.
Joe Root begins second spell as captain
The Pakistan Test series will also mark Joe Root’s return as England’s Test captain.
Root will start his second stint as skipper at his home ground of Headingley when the first Test begins on August 19.
The squad is also the first selected under newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming, who worked alongside Marcus Trescothick during the selection process.
Trescothick will continue overseeing the Pakistan Test series before Fleming officially assumes full coaching duties later in the English summer.
Selection panel explains decisions
National selector Marcus North said the squad balances experienced players with emerging talent.
He praised Dan Lawrence’s outstanding domestic performances and described Jordan Cox as one of England’s most exciting young cricketers.
According to North, Cox deserves the opportunity to replace the injured Jacob Bethell in the batting order for the Pakistan Test series.
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England squad for first two Pakistan Tests
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 and Josh Tongue.
