Joe Root announces his first squad in his second spell as Test captain ahead of Pakistan series

The three-Test series will be Root’s first assignment back in charge after he was reappointed as England captain in July following the retirement of Ben Stokes.

Brendon McCullum’s departure as head coach also brought an end to the previous leadership era, with Marcus Trescothick taking charge on an interim basis before Stephen Fleming begins his tenure against South Africa in December.

Root will lead a 16-man squad for the first two Tests, with the series opener taking place at Headingley on Wednesday 19 August.

Surrey duo Ollie Pope and Dan Lawrence have been recalled after strong domestic campaigns, while Jacob Bethell will miss the entire series due to injury.

Bethell suffered a knee injury during England’s ODI series against India in July and has been replaced in the squad by Jordan Cox, who is expected to move into the number three position.

England squad for first two Tests against Pakistan

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, Josh Tongue.

Lawrence returns to the Test setup after impressing for Surrey during the County Championship season.

The 29-year-old has scored 788 runs at an average of 65.66 in Division One, including five centuries, and is expected to fill the middle-order position left vacant by Stokes’ retirement.

However, Lawrence is not viewed as a direct replacement for England’s former captain, with his all-round capabilities different to those Stokes provided during his time leading the side.

The Surrey batter has taken nine wickets from 178.2 overs of County Championship cricket this season with his right-arm off-spin.

Pope has also earned a recall after rediscovering his form at domestic level. The former vice-captain lost his place during the final two Ashes Tests in Australia, with Bethell replacing him at number three, before being left out of the squad for the series against New Zealand.

The 28-year-old has responded with 510 runs at an average of 56.66 for Surrey, including five scores of fifty or more, but will still face competition for a place in Root’s first Test side.

Jordan Cox will now have the opportunity to establish himself at number three after making his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval.

England men’s national selector Marcus North said: “We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.

“Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season so far with Surrey and we believe he has the right level of experience, maturity and skill to complement our middle order.

“Jordan Cox is well regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at three in place of Jacob Bethell, who sadly misses this series through injury.”

Elsewhere in the squad, Essex seamer Sam Cook returns for the first time since last summer.

The 29-year-old made his international debut against Zimbabwe in May 2025 and was included in the squad for the five-Test series against India but did not feature.

Brydon Carse is also back after recovering from the broken wrist that ruled him out of the Indian Premier League and the start of England’s Test summer.

England have also kept faith with spinner Shoaib Bashir, who featured in the first and third Tests against New Zealand after missing out during the Ashes.

The Pakistan series will represent the beginning of a new chapter for England’s Test side, with Root now tasked with leading the team through a period of transition following the departures of Stokes and McCullum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is England’s Test captain for the Pakistan series?

Joe Root will captain England during the three-Test series against Pakistan, marking his first series since returning to the role in July.

When does England’s Test series against Pakistan start?

England face Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley on Wednesday 19 August.

Why is Jacob Bethell missing England’s Pakistan series?

Jacob Bethell will miss the entire series after suffering a knee injury during England’s ODI series against India in July.

Who replaces Jacob Bethell in England’s Test squad?

Jordan Cox has been included in the squad and is expected to bat at number three in Bethell’s absence.

Why has Dan Lawrence been recalled by England?

Dan Lawrence has earned his return after a standout County Championship season with Surrey, scoring 788 runs at an average of 65.66 with five centuries.

Has Ollie Pope guaranteed his place in England’s Test team?

No. While Pope has been recalled following impressive domestic form, he will still need to compete for his place in Root’s first Test side as captain.