# England-Pakistan Test series squad

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/england-pakistan-test-series-squad
> Updated: 2026-08-06T10:24:22.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

England confirmed a 16‑man squad for the first two Tests of the home series against Pakistan, which starts on 19 August at Headingley. Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a right‑knee injury sustained during the recent ODI series with India, prompting Jordan Cox to be promoted to the No 3 batting position. Dan Lawrence returned after a two‑year absence, earning the No 6 spot after a standout County Championship season in which he scored five centuries and 788 runs for Surrey. Veteran Ollie Pope was recalled as a utility wicket‑keeper‑batter following his omission after the Ashes defeat. The pace contingent includes Brydon Carse, Sam Cook and Ollie Robinson, while spinner Shoaib Bashir joins the squad. Joe Root will captain England for a second spell, with interim head coach Marcus Trescothick overseeing the series before Stephen Fleming assumes the full‑time red‑ball role later in the summer. Pakistan will be led by captain Babar Azam, and the series forms part of the World Test Championship.

## Claims

- England announced a 16-man squad for the opening two Tests of a three-match home series against Pakistan. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jordan Cox will bat at No 3 for England, replacing Jacob Bethell. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Dan Lawrence has been recalled to the squad after a two‑year absence and will bat at No 6. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Brydon Carse returns after recovering from a right‑hand injury. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jacob Bethell is ruled out of the Test series due to a right‑knee injury sustained during the ODI series against India. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Ollie Pope returns to the squad as a spare wicketkeeper‑batter. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick will oversee the series before Stephen Fleming takes over as full‑time red‑ball coach. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The first Test will begin on 19 August at Headingley, Leeds. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-06: England cricket squad announced for Pakistan Test series

England names a 16‑man squad for the Pakistan Test series starting 19 August, with Jo Root as captain and Sam Curran a possible addition for the third Test.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/england-cricket-squad-announced-for-pakistan-test-series

### 2026-08-06: England names squad for Pakistan Test series, Cox replaces injured Bethell

England's 16‑man squad for the Pakistan Tests (starting 19 Aug) includes Jordan Cox for the injured Jacob Bethell, Dan Lawrence's recall, and Ollie Pope's return, with Joe Root as captain.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/england-names-16-man-squad-for-pakistan-test-series

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Cite as: England-Pakistan Test series squad. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/england-pakistan-test-series-squad
