Dan Lawrence is expected to feature in England's initial Test match following Ben Stokes' retirement, with Jordan Cox slated to bat at number three. Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the entire Pakistan series due to a right knee injury sustained during England's one-day international series win against India.
Former vice-captain Ollie Pope returns to the 16-strong squad as batting and wicketkeeping cover. Seamers Brydon Carse and Sam Cook have also been recalled for the first two Tests, scheduled for Headingley and Lord's this month.
National selector Marcus North stated that Sam Curran was considered to replace Stokes, but an ongoing niggle led England to reinforce their batting instead. Lawrence, whose last Test appearance was in September 2024, will bat at number six after impressing for Surrey with five Rothesay County Championship hundreds this year.
New captain Joe Root is likely to field four frontline pacemen in the series opener at Leeds, which begins on August 19, partly due to Lawrence's part-time off-breaks. North commented that the team has gone with Lawrence as they believe he provides the strongest batting line-up and is a more advanced player than in his previous England stint.