England men’s squad named for first two Rothesay Tests against Pakistan
Squad Announcement for Pakistan Series
England Men have announced a 16-player squad for the initial two Rothesay Tests against Pakistan. The series is scheduled to commence at Headingley on Wednesday 19 August. This selection aims to balance emerging talent with the necessary experience to face a strong Pakistan team.
Joe Root will serve as the Test team captain in a permanent capacity for the first time since 2022, leading the side in front of his home crowd at Headingley. The squad includes several notable returns and new opportunities for players.
Dan Lawrence, who is the second-leading runscorer in Division One of the Rothesay County Championship this season, has been recalled to the squad. His last Test appearance was two years ago against Sri Lanka, and he is expected to bat at number six. National Selector Marcus North highlighted Lawrence’s exceptional season with Surrey, noting his experience, maturity, and skill as valuable additions to the middle order.
Jordan Cox, who made his Test debut earlier this summer against New Zealand at the Kia Oval, is slated to bat at number three. This position became available due to the injury of Jacob Bethell. North described Cox as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket, expressing confidence in his ability to fulfill the role.
Player Returns and Injury Updates
Jacob Bethell will miss the entire Rothesay Test Series against Pakistan. He sustained a right knee injury during the Metro Bank ODI series against India last month, which has kept him sidelined. His absence has created an opportunity for Jordan Cox at number three.
Other players returning to the Test squad include Sam Cook, who played one Test last summer against Zimbabwe. Brydon Carse and Ollie Pope are also back in the squad for the first time since the Ashes Series defeat in Australia last winter. Pope, who was formerly vice-captain under Ben Stokes, returns as a reserve batter and can cover various top-seven positions.
The selection panel, led by Marcus North, has emphasized selecting a squad for the present, despite always looking towards the future. This approach comes after England experienced six defeats in their last eight Tests, underscoring the urgency to return to winning ways.
Stephen Fleming, the new Test head coach, will not take charge until after this three-match series. However, Marcus North confirmed that Fleming was involved in extensive discussions leading up to the squad selection, ensuring alignment with his vision for the team.
Squad Details and Upcoming Fixtures
The full England Men’s Test squad for the first two matches against Pakistan is as follows:
- Joe Root (Yorkshire – captain)
- Jofra Archer (Sussex)
- Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
- Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire)
- Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
- Brydon Carse (Durham)
- Sam Cook (Essex)
- Jordan Cox (Essex)
- Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
- Matthew Fisher (Surrey)
- Emilio Gay (Durham)
- Dan Lawrence (Surrey)
- Ollie Pope (Surrey)
- Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
- Jamie Smith (Surrey)
- Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
The series will feature three Tests. The first Test is scheduled from Wednesday 19 August to Sunday 23 August at Headingley, Leeds. The second Test will take place from Thursday 27 August to Monday 31 August at Lord’s, London. The final Test is set for Wednesday 9 September to Sunday 13 September at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Source: ecb.co.uk