Jacob Bethell will be absent for the whole of England's forthcoming Test series against Pakistan, while Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse have secured places in the 16‑man roster. England are gearing up to resume competitive cricket after a disappointing defeat to New Zealand and the recent exits of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Joe Root, reinstated as captain following Stokes' retirement from international cricket, will marshal a side eager to turn a new page after a turbulent period both on and off the field.
New head coach Stephen Fleming will not take the helm 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 ailment that also forced him out of The Hundred competition. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for the Pakistan Tests, prompting Essex wicket‑keeper Jordan Cox to step into the No 3 batting position. Cox, who made his Test debut earlier this summer, will now have a chance to cement his place in the middle order.
Pope, who previously served as vice‑captain under Stokes, and fast‑bowler Brydon Carse are both making a return to the Test squad for the first time since England's under‑whelming Ashes tour of Australia last winter. Pope was dropped after the third Ashes Test, having averaged just 20.83 runs across three matches, but his form in county cricket has warranted a recall. Carse, meanwhile, is back after withdrawing from this year's IPL due to a hand injury.
England’s 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 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 fully fit. Veteran all‑rounder Dan Lawrence has also been recalled after a two‑year hiatus from Test cricket.
Expected to bat at No 6, Lawrence earned his recall after an outstanding season with Surrey, demonstrating the experience, maturity and skill the selectors believe will bolster the middle order. "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," North said.
Regarding Jordan Cox’s promotion, North described it as a "massive opportunity" for the young Essex wicket‑keeper‑batter. He highlighted Cox’s consistent domestic performances, noting that during his early seasons with Kent he opened the batting in the County Championship. "We wouldn't be putting this guy at three if we didn't feel he was capable of fulfilling that role. He's got plenty of character, a huge competitive spirit and a quiet confidence.
We're excited to see how Jordan embraces this chance," North added. North also confirmed that Stephen Fleming, although not yet officially in charge for the series, was heavily involved in the selection discussions to ensure that the selectors’ philosophy aligns with the incoming coach’s vision.
"The dynamics of selection stayed consistent – Troy Cooley, David Court, Ed Barney, myself, Keesy [Rob Key], the captain, the coach – all contributed. Stephen Fleming was involved from the moment he was appointed; I had lengthy conversations with him. We need to make sure our selection approach matches Stephen's strategic outlook.
It would make no sense to proceed through this series with a plan that contradicts his long‑term vision for England," North explained. When asked by Sky Sports' The Hundred commentary team whether it felt odd not to be part of the Test squad announcement, McCullum laughed, "I've got a bit more time on my hands. I had a great four years, and now things are moving in a different direction.
Stephen Fleming will be excellent – he's a bit like me, but better. He will do an amazing job." He praised the ECB for securing a coach with global experience and said, "Me and Flem talk every day. We're close mates and we have robust conversations.
At the end of the day we just want what's right for English cricket. We want to set this up so that English cricket is successful across all three formats, and that will take some 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) Fans can watch the three‑Test series live on Sky Sports Cricket from 19 August, and stream the action without a contract via NOW.