Jacob Bethell will be unavailable for the entire England‑Pakistan Test series, 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 defeat to New Zealand and the recent departures of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. With Joe Root reinstated as captain following Stokes' retirement from international cricket, the side is looking to turn a new page after a turbulent period both on and off the field. The upcoming three‑match Test series, which kicks off at Headingley on 19 August and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, will be overseen by interim selectors, as new head coach Stephen Fleming will not assume his duties until after the series concludes.
The decision to leave Fleming out of the immediate selection process reflects the board’s desire for continuity while the new coach settles in. Bethell suffered a knee injury during England's One‑Day International series against India in July, an ailment that also forced him to miss The Hundred competition. The injury has proved more serious than initially thought, and medical staff have ruled him out of the Pakistan Tests as well.
In his stead, Essex wicket‑keeper Jordan Cox has been promoted to the No 3 batting position. Cox, who earned his Test debut earlier this summer, will now have the chance to cement his place in the top order. Ollie 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 dismal Ashes tour of Australia last winter. Pope’s form had dipped during the Ashes, leading to his omission after a series of low scores that left him with an average of just 20.83 across three Tests.
However, his performances in county cricket for Surrey have convinced the selectors that he deserves another opportunity at the highest level. Carse, meanwhile, is back after being forced to withdraw from this year’s IPL due to a hand injury. His pace and ability to generate bounce make him a valuable asset in English conditions, and his inclusion signals the selectors’ intent to bolster the bowling attack.
England’s national selector Marcus North revealed that Harry Brook was also under consideration to remain as Root’s deputy, praising his leadership qualities as “incredibly important” for the side’s future. North added that Sam Curran had been earmarked as a potential replacement for the all‑rounder role vacated by Stokes; Curran would have been selected if he had been fit.
Two years after his last appearance, Dan Lawrence has been recalled to the Test XI and is expected to bat at No 6. North highlighted Lawrence’s outstanding season with Surrey, noting that his experience, maturity and skill set complement the middle order perfectly. Lawrence’s return adds depth and stability to a batting line‑up that has struggled for consistency. Regarding the promotion of Jordan Cox, North described it as a "massive opportunity" for the young Essex player.
He emphasized Cox’s consistent domestic performances, recalling that in his early seasons with Kent he often opened the batting in the County Championship. North stressed that the decision to slot Cox at number three was not taken lightly; the player possesses the character, competitiveness and quiet confidence required for the role.
The selection process, according to North, remained consistent with the established system involving a broad group of advisers – Troy Cooley, David Court, Ed Barney, himself, former England captain Rob Key, the team captain, and the head coach. He confirmed that Stephen Fleming was consulted from the moment of his appointment, with extensive conversations ensuring that the selectors’ philosophy aligns with Fleming’s vision for the team.
North warned that any misalignment would be counterproductive during the series. Former England T20 and ODI head coach Brendon McCullum, now serving as the departing head coach, was asked on Sky Sports’ The Hundred commentary panel whether it felt odd not to be involved in the Test squad announcement.
McCullum laughed that he now has "a bit more time on his hands" and praised Fleming, saying the new coach is "a little bit like me, but better" and will excel in the role. He lauded the ECB’s achievement in securing a coach with global experience and expressed confidence in their partnership, noting that he and Fleming speak daily and share a mutual commitment to the long‑term success of English cricket across all three formats.
The final squad list 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 the matches are also available for streaming without a contract via NOW. The series offers England a chance to rebuild confidence, integrate fresh talent, and lay the groundwork for a new era under Stephen Fleming’s leadership, while also giving emerging players like Jordan Cox a platform to showcase their abilities on the world stage.