England names 16-man squad for Pakistan Tests, Lawrence in

England has announced a 16-man squad for the first two Tests of its upcoming home series against Pakistan, marking the start of a new era following the retirement of former captain Ben Stokes. The squad, named on Thursday, August 6, sees the recall of batsman Dan Lawrence after two years and a promotion for Jordan Cox, who will bat at number three in place of the injured Jacob Bethell.

The series, which begins at Headingley on August 19, will also be the first official assignment for Joe Root in his second stint as England's Test captain. National selector Marcus North said the squad was chosen to balance rising talent with experience against a quality Pakistan team.

Lawrence, 29, returns on the strength of an outstanding County Championship season with Surrey, where he leads Division One with five centuries and 788 runs at an average of 65.66. He is slated to bat at number six, with his off-spin bowling seen as a partial solution to the all-rounder void left by Stokes' retirement. Lawrence last played a Test in September 2024.

Cox, who made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this summer, steps up to the crucial number three position. He replaces Bethell, who has been...