England recall Dan Lawrence from two years of Test exile to face Pakistan

England has recalled Dan Lawrence from a two-year Test exile to face Pakistan, with the batsman slated to fill the middle-order vacancy created by captain Ben Stokes' retirement. National selector Marcus North announced a 16-man squad for the first two matches of the three-Test series, confirming Lawrence would bat at number six.

Jordan Cox, replacing the injured Jacob Bethell, will bat at number three. Joe Root leads the side after being appointed for a second stint, with the first Test scheduled to start at Headingley on August 19. Lawrence has been out of the international picture since his 14th Test appearance in September 2024, when he played out of position as an opener against Sri Lanka.

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We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.

The Surrey batter, 29, has been in impressive form in the County Championship this season, averaging more than 65 with five centuries. Cox, 25, made his debut against New Zealand in the second Test at the Oval in June, replacing Stokes, who was omitted after breaking a team curfew. Fast bowler Brydon Carse is included after missing the 2-1 series loss to New Zealand due to a hand injury.

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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.

Marcus Trescothick will serve as the hosts' interim head coach before former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming takes over from Brendon McCullum as England's red-ball supremo. Former England vice-captain Ollie Pope has also been recalled after being dropped following a string of low scores during England's 4-1 Ashes series loss in Australia. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been retained, though it remains to be seen if England will deploy a specialist slow bowler in Leeds.

England has lost seven of their past nine Tests and has not won a series since December 2024. "We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team," said North. "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."

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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.