Jacob Bethell will be absent for the whole of England's forthcoming Test series against Pakistan, while Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse have earned places in the 16‑man contingent. England are gearing up to resume competitive cricket after a disappointing series loss to New Zealand and the recent exits of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. With Joe Root reinstated as captain following Stokes' retirement from international cricket, the side is eager to turn a new page after a turbulent period both on and off the field.
Stephen Fleming, the newly appointed England head coach, will not take charge until after the three‑match series, which kicks off at Headingley on 19 August and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket. The decision to keep Bethell out of the squad stems from a knee injury he suffered during England's One‑Day International series against India in July, an injury that also forced him to miss The Hundred.
As a result, Essex wicket‑keeper Jordan Cox, who made his Test debut earlier this summer, will step in at the No 3 position for the Pakistan tour. Pope and Carse return to the Test setup for the first time since England's ill‑fated Ashes campaign in Australia last winter. Pope, who previously served as vice‑captain under Stokes, was dropped after the third Ashes Test when his average across the three matches stood at just 20.83 runs. Carse, meanwhile, is back after withdrawing from this year’s IPL due to a hand injury.
Their inclusion reflects a broader reshuffle aimed at restoring balance and experience to the side. England’s national selector, Marcus North, explained that Harry Brook was also slated to remain as Root’s vice‑captain, praising his leadership as "incredibly important" for the team’s future. North added that Sam Curran had been identified as a potential replacement for the void left by Stokes; Curran would have been selected had he been fit. Additionally, Dan Lawrence has been recalled after a two‑year hiatus from Test cricket and is expected to bat at No 6.
North highlighted Lawrence’s outstanding season with Surrey, describing him as possessing the right mix of experience, maturity and skill to strengthen the middle order. The decision to promote Jordan Cox was described by North as a "massive opportunity" for the young Essex wicket‑keeper‑batter. North noted Cox’s consistent domestic performances, recalling that in his first one or two seasons with Kent he opened the batting in the County Championship. "We wouldn't place him at three if we weren't confident in his ability to fulfil the role.
He has plenty of character, is a fierce competitor and quietly confident. We are excited to see how Jordan embraces this chance," North said. North also confirmed that Stephen Fleming was heavily involved in the selection discussions, ensuring that the selectors’ philosophies aligned with the incoming coach’s vision.
He outlined the selection process, naming key contributors such as Troy Cooley, David Court, Ed Barney, himself, former England captain Rob Key, the current captain and the coach. "From the moment Fleming was appointed, I had lengthy conversations with him. We need to make sure our selections and overall philosophy are fully aligned with Stephen’s plans. It would make no sense to move forward through this series with a direction that contradicts his view of the team's future," North explained.
When asked on Sky Sports' The Hundred commentary whether it felt odd not to be part of the Test squad announcement, former head coach Brendon McCullum joked, "I've got a bit more time on my hands. I had a great four years and now things are heading in a different direction.
Stephen Fleming will be excellent – he's a bit like me, but better. He will do an amazing job." McCullum praised the ECB for securing Fleming, noting his global experience and commitment to English cricket. He added, "Flem and I talk every day – we’re close mates and have robust conversations.
At the end of the day we both want what’s right for English cricket, and we aim to build a successful structure across Tests, ODIs and T20s, even if it takes time." The announced squad includes: - Joe Root (Yorkshire – captain) - Jofra Archer (Sussex) - Gus Atkinson (Surrey) - Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire) - Harry Brook (Yorkshire) - Brydon Carse (Durham) - Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire) - Matthew Fisher (Surrey) - Dan Lawrence (Surrey) - Ollie Robinson (Sussex) - Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire) England will face Pakistan in a three‑Test series beginning on 19 August at Headingley, with live coverage on Sky Sports Cricket. Fans can also stream the matches and other sporting content contract‑free via NOW. The series represents a crucial opportunity for England to rebuild confidence, test new combinations and lay the groundwork for a more stable future under Stephen Fleming’s leadership.