England begin post-Stokes era with call-ups for Lawrence, Cox and Pope against Pakistan

<ul><li><p>Jordan Cox handed No 3 position due to Bethell injury</p></li><li><p>Root’s first assignment back as captain is at Headingley</p></li></ul><p>On paper, the answer to how England will <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/04/ben-stokes-rules-out-2027-ashes-return-ambition-coach-england-one-day-cricket">replace Ben Stokes</a> for the Test series against Pakistan appears to be to throw bodies at the problem and have options. A 16-strong squad has been selected for the first two Tests starting on 19 August, akin to a ­touring party and at risk of being&nbsp;bloated.</p><p>Although on announcing the squad on Thursday – a group that has Jordan Cox slated to bat at No 3, with Jacob Bethell missing the series with a knee injury – the national selector, Marcus North, laid out the intended structure of the XI that will play under <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jul/30/joe-root-captain-england-stephen-fleming-test-coach-cricket">Joe Root when he dutifully returns to the captaincy</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/aug/06/england-cricket-reshuffle-test-ollie-pope-dan-lawrence-sam-cook-pakistan-series">Continue reading...</a>