LONDON: England have recalled Dan Lawrence to their Test squad after a two-year absence, with the Surrey batter set to occupy the number six position in the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan following the retirement of former captain Ben Stokes.
England’s national selector Marcus North announced a 16-member squad for the opening two Tests on Thursday, confirming that Lawrence would strengthen the middle order after earning a return through his outstanding domestic form.
Lawrence, 29, has not featured in a Test match since September 2024, when he was used as an opener against Sri Lanka. Since then, he has impressed in the County Championship, averaging more than 65 and scoring five centuries for Surrey this season.
Another notable inclusion is Jordan Cox, who has been named at number three after Jacob Bethell was ruled out through injury. Cox made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year, replacing Ben Stokes in the second Test at The Oval.
Veteran batter Joe Root will captain England for a second spell as skipper, with the first Test against Pakistan scheduled to begin at Headingley, Leeds, on August 19.
England have also welcomed back fast bowler Brydon Carse, who missed the recent 2-1 Test series defeat against New Zealand due to a hand injury. Former vice-captain Ollie Pope has also returned to the squad after being dropped following England’s disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia.
Spinner Shoaib Bashir has retained his place in the squad, although England have yet to decide whether they will field a specialist spinner in the opening Test at Headingley.
The team will be coached by Marcus Trescothick on an interim basis before former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming takes over as England’s permanent red-ball head coach, succeeding Brendon McCullum.
Announcing the squad, Marcus North said the selectors had combined experienced players with emerging talent to build a competitive team capable of challenging Pakistan.
“Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season with Surrey, and we believe he has the experience, maturity and skill to strengthen our middle order,” North said. He also praised Jordan Cox as one of England’s most exciting young batters and expressed confidence in his ability to succeed at number three.
England head into the Pakistan series under pressure after losing seven of their last nine Test matches and failing to win a Test series since December 2024.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will arrive in England with confidence after drawing their recent two-match Test series against the West Indies 1-1.
England squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan:
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.
