Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the entire England Test series against Pakistan, while Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse have secured places in the 16‑man touring party. England are gearing up for their next assignment after a disappointing loss to New Zealand and the recent departures of head coach Brendon McCullum and long‑time captain Ben Stokes. With Stokes having announced his retirement from international cricket, former Yorkshire stalwart Joe Root has been reinstated as England's captain.
Root now faces the task of steering a side that is eager to put behind a turbulent period both on the field and behind the scenes. The new head coach, Stephen Fleming, 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.
Bethell suffered a knee injury during England's One‑Day International series against India in July, an incident that also forced him to miss The Hundred competition. The injury has proved more serious than initially thought, and medical staff have confirmed that he will remain on the sidelines for the Pakistan Tests. Essex wicket‑keeper Jordan Cox, who earned his Test debut earlier this summer, has been called up to fill the No 3 slot in Bethell's absence.
Pope, who previously served as vice‑captain under Stokes, and fast‑bowler Brydon Carse are both making a return to the Test set‑up for the first time since England’s under‑whelming Ashes tour of Australia last winter. Pope, a Surrey wicket‑keeper‑batter, was dropped after the third Ashes Test after averaging just 20.83 runs across the series. Carse, meanwhile, is back after being forced out of this year’s IPL due to a hand injury. National selector Marcus North explained that Harry Brook was also slated to remain as Root’s deputy, praising his leadership qualities as "incredibly important" for the side.
North added that Sam Curran had been identified as a potential replacement for the all‑rounder role vacated by Stokes, and would have been selected had he been fit. Two years after his last appearance, Dan Lawrence has also been recalled and is expected to bat at No 6. North highlighted Lawrence’s outstanding season with Surrey, noting that his experience, maturity and skill set would bolster the middle order. "Lawrence returns after an exceptional season with Surrey and we believe he has the right blend of experience and talent to complement our batting line‑up," North said.
Regarding Jordan Cox’s promotion, North described it as a "massive opportunity" for the young Essex player. He pointed out Cox’s consistent domestic performances, including opening the batting for Kent in his early County Championship seasons.
"We wouldn’t slot him at three unless we were convinced of his ability. He has character, competitiveness and a quiet confidence that we find exciting," North added. North also confirmed that Stephen Fleming, although not yet officially in charge for the series, has been heavily involved in the selection discussions. "Our selection process remains consistent, involving Troy Cooley, David Court, Ed Barney, myself, Keesy [Rob] Key, the captain and the coach.
Stephen has been part of those conversations from day one," North explained. "It is essential that our philosophies align with Stephen’s vision; otherwise we would be sending mixed messages to the players." Former head coach Brendon McCullum, now England’s T20 and ODI coach, was asked about his absence from the Test squad announcement. He laughed, saying, "I have a bit more time on my hands now. I enjoyed my four years and now we’re moving in a new direction.
Stephen Fleming will be brilliant – he’s a bit like me, but better. He’ll do an amazing job." McCullum praised the England and Wales Cricket Board for securing Fleming, noting that the board had managed to bring a globally respected coach into the English system. "We talk every day, we’re close mates and we have robust conversations. At the end of the day we all want what’s best for English cricket and to build success across all three formats.
That will take time, but we’re committed," he said. The final squad list announced by the ECB 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) The three‑Test series against Pakistan will be streamed live on Sky Sports Cricket from 19 August, and fans can also watch via NOW without a contract. The series represents a crucial opportunity for England to rebuild confidence, integrate new talent and demonstrate that the changes off the field are translating into improved performances on the pitch.