Bethell Out, Pope and Carse Return as England Ring Changes for Pakistan Series

England have been dealt a significant blow ahead of the three-Test series against Pakistan, with Jacob Bethell ruled out entirely due to a right knee injury sustained during the ODI series against India last month. The 22-year-old’s absence has prompted a reshuffle in the batting order, with Jordan Cox set to move up to No. 3.

Joe Root is back as captain and some familiar faces also are making their return 😍 pic.twitter.com/imQamKKjjr

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 6, 2026

The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the 16-man squad for the opening two Tests on Thursday, with Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Dan Lawrence all recalled to the fold.

Lawrence Returns After Two-Year Absence

Lawrence’s inclusion marks his first Test call-up in two years, earned on the back of an outstanding County Championship season with Surrey. The 29-year-old is currently the second-highest run-scorer in Division One and is expected to slot in at No. 6, with Jamie Smith dropping down to No. 7 after batting a position higher against New Zealand earlier this summer.

His return adds middle-order solidity in the absence of Bethell, who had been a regular fixture since making his Test debut last year.

Pope and Carse Back in the Fold

Pope and Carse return to the Test side for the first time since England’s Ashes defeat in Australia last winter. Pope was dropped after a lean run with the bat, while Carse had been sidelined for several months with injury. Both have forced their way back into contention, with Carse offering pace options alongside the recalled Sam Cook, who makes his first Test appearance since debuting against Zimbabwe last year.

A New Era Begins

The series, which begins at Headingley on August 19, marks England’s first assignment in the post-Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era. Joe Root returns as full-time Test captain for the first time since stepping down from the role in 2022, while Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim head coach following McCullum’s departure. Stephen Fleming has been appointed as McCullum’s successor but will not take charge until England’s tour of South Africa later in the year.

England squad for first two Tests against Pakistan:

Joe Root (captain), 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, Josh Tongue.

England men’s national selector Marcus North said the squad “balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team.” He added that Lawrence’s form and maturity made him an ideal fit for the middle order, while Cox’s promotion to No. 3 reflects the management’s faith in the young batter.

Absentees and Standing

Missing from the squad that featured in the third Test against New Zealand are former captain Ben Stokes, who has since retired from international cricket, the injured Bethell and leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who has been left out.

England currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan, who recently levelled their series against West Indies, are placed eighth. The second Test will be played at Lord’s from August 27, with the third and final match at Edgbaston from September 9.

                                               

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