England bring back Dan Lawrence for Pakistan Test series

England have turned to Dan Lawrence for the first two Tests of their home series against Pakistan, ending the batter’s two-year wait for another Test call-up. The Surrey player is expected to fill a middle-order vacancy as England reshape their batting line-up for the three-match contest, according to squad details reported by Dawn Home.

National selector Marcus North named a 16-man squad on Thursday, with Lawrence set to bat at number six. Joe Root will lead the side after being appointed to the captaincy role for a second time, while the opening Test is scheduled to begin at Headingley on August 19.

Lawrence rewarded for strong county form

Lawrence, 29, has not played a Test since his 14th appearance in September 2024, when he was used as an opener against Sri Lanka. His return comes after a strong County Championship season for Surrey, where he has averaged more than 65 and scored five centuries.

The recall gives England another experienced batting option at a time when the team is looking to stabilise after a difficult run. England have lost seven of their past nine Tests and have not won a series since December 2024.

Cox comes in, Carse returns to the squad

Jordan Cox has also been named in the squad after coming in for the injured Jacob Bethell. North confirmed that Cox will bat at number three. The 25-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand at The Oval in June, when he stepped in for Ben Stokes after the captain was omitted following a breach of team curfew.

Fast bowler Brydon Carse is included after missing England’s 2-1 series loss to New Zealand because of a right-hand injury. Former vice-captain Ollie Pope has also been recalled after being left out during England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

Interim coaching setup for first Tests

England will be led by interim head coach Marcus Trescothick for the early part of the series before former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming takes over as England’s red-ball coach, replacing Brendon McCullum.

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir remains in the squad, although it is still unclear whether England will use a specialist slow bowler in Leeds. The balance of the final XI may depend on conditions at Headingley and the way England decide to structure their attack.

For now, the key selection story is Lawrence’s return. After a long spell outside the Test set-up, the Surrey batter is back in contention for a crucial series against Pakistan, with England looking to reset their red-ball form under a revised leadership group.

FAQ

Why has Dan Lawrence been recalled?

He has been selected after a strong County Championship season and is set to cover a middle-order vacancy in the England squad.

Who is captaining England against Pakistan?

Joe Root has been appointed captain for a second stint.

When does the first Test start?

The opening Test begins at Headingley on August 19.