Sam Cook for the Start of Their Three-match Test Series Against Pakistan, With Jordan Cox Also Returning to Bat at No 3 After Jacob Bethell

Joe Root's first assignment back as permanent captain begins at Headingley on 19 August, with a 16-strong squad. Lawrence, confirmed at No 6, returns after topping Division One run-scoring charts, while Cox's promotion from No 7 follows his debut in June. Pope, dropped during the Ashes, starts in reserve.

Selector Marcus North said the squad balances rising talent with experience against a quality Pakistan team. Bethell, 22, suffered a right knee issue during last month's ODI against India and will miss The Hundred. Brydon Carse returns after wrist and finger injuries, joining Cook, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Fisher and Ollie Robinson in a six-man pace attack.

The series is the first since Brendon McCullum was stood down as Test head coach, with Stephen Fleming arriving in September and Marcus Trescothick serving as interim. A report claims Fleming has informally approached Mike Hussey about becoming batting coach. Dan Lawrence returns following an exceptional season so far with Surrey and we believe he has the right level of experience, maturity and skill to complement our middle order. Jordan Cox is well regarded as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket and will have the opportunity to bat at 3 in place of Jacob Bethell, who sadly misses this series through injury.