Last Updated on 55 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
England have announced a 16-man squad for the first two Test matches against Pakistan later this month, with Surrey’s Dan Lawrence among four recalled names.
Former vice-captain Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse both return since previously featuring during the Ashes defeat Down Under, whilst seamer Sam Cook is also back in the frame after his one Test appearance against Zimbabwe at the start of last summer.
Jordan Cox, who made his debut alongside James Rew against New Zealand at the Kia Oval, has got the nod to bat at number three in place of the injured Jacob Bethell who was ruled out of the series through injury.
England Men 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.”
England squad for Pakistan series: Dan Lawrence to bat at No.6
Following weeks of speculation as to which direction England will go to fill the void left by Ben Stokes, they have opted for a batting all-rounder in the form of Dan Lawrence.
The 29-year-old has 14 Test appearances to his name, with an average of 26.84 and four half-centuries. He last featured as a makeshift opener in a defeat at home to Sri Lanka two years ago.
Lawrence has been in strong form in the County Championship for Surrey this season, averaging 65.66 with five centuries and a high score of 218 off just 190 balls. Only Nottinghamshire’s Joe Clarke has scored more runs in Division One.
England, as they did in Stokes’ absence for the second New Zealand Test, have chosen to reinforce the batting lineup rather than a more natural like-for-like replacement with Sam Curran or Craig Overton who were both widely tipped for selection.
X-factor spinners Rehan Ahmed and Will Jacks were also in contention but overlooked, as well as potential County wildcards such as Yorkshire’s George Hill or Nottinghamshire’s Liam Patterson-White.
North added: “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.”
An abundance of quicks
Despite Shoaib Bashir’s inclusion, Lawrence and captain again Joe Root are expected to be relied upon as the spin options, meaning England will name a four-pronged pace attack with seven names to choose from.
Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue will likely be the main trio, though all have had a busy summer schedule with white-ball workloads to manage.
Brydon Carse, a favourite under the previous management, made his return from injury last month, whilst Ollie Robinson will also be aiming to take on the new ball role after his brief Test comeback against New Zealand earlier in the summer.
Sam Cook and Matthew Fisher will provide the cover.
England squad for first two Test matches 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.
The three-match series gets underway at Headingley on August 19, with Joe Root – on his home ground – captaining the side in a permanent capacity for the first time in four years and Marcus Trescothick taking interim charge as Stephen Fleming watches on.
