England have named a 16-player squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan, with Joe Root returning as captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement.
England have announced their 16-member squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan, with experienced batter Joe Root returning to the captaincy following Ben Stokes’ retirement from Test cricket.
The three-match series will begin on Aug. 19 at Headingley in Leeds, where England will look to use home conditions to make a strong start against Pakistan.
Root’s return as captain puts one of England’s most experienced Test players at the centre of the team’s plans. His leadership and batting experience will be crucial as England begin a new phase following Stokes’ departure.
The squad also features several notable returns. Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Sam Cook have been recalled, giving England additional options and depth ahead of the opening two Tests.
England, however, will be without Jacob Bethell. The all-rounder has been ruled out of the Pakistan series because of a right knee injury, leaving the hosts without another option heading into the contest.
The selected squad includes a mix of established international performers and emerging players, with Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and Ollie Robinson among the key names.
Pakistan will face the challenge of taking on an England side playing at home, while the visitors will be looking to counter the conditions and establish an early advantage in the three-Test series.
The first Test at Headingley will set the tone for the contest, with attention likely to focus on Root’s return to the leadership role and how England’s revamped squad performs against Pakistan.
England Squad
Joe Root (C), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.
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