The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan, scheduled for October as part of the World Test Championship. The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, reflecting England’s strategic blend of seasoned talent and fresh potential.
Durham’s Brydon Carse and Essex’s Jordan Cox are the two uncapped players in the squad. Carse, known for his impressive performances in domestic cricket, brings a fresh pace bowling option, while Cox, a highly regarded wicketkeeper-batsman, offers additional depth to the batting lineup. Their inclusion signifies England’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and building a versatile team.
Spin bowlers Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach make their return to the Test setup. Ahmed, who made his Test debut in Karachi during England’s last tour of Pakistan in December 2022, has shown significant promise and will be eager to add to his four Test caps. Leach, a reliable left-arm spinner, provides experience and control in the spin department. Their presence will be crucial in Pakistani conditions, where spin is often a deciding factor.
The squad includes eight players who were part of the team that secured a 3-0 Test series victory in Pakistan in 2022. These players are Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes. Their familiarity with the conditions and successful experience from the previous tour will be valuable assets for England.
Leicestershire seamer Josh Hull, who made his Test debut at The Oval recently, is included for his first senior tour with England. Hull’s inclusion comes on the back of a promising start to his Test career, and he will look to build on that momentum in Pakistan. His pace and ability to extract bounce could be instrumental in the subcontinental pitches.
Kent opener Zak Crawley makes a return to the squad after being sidelined since the West Indies series in July due to a fractured right little finger. Crawley’s recovery has been progressing well, and his inclusion bolsters England’s top-order batting options. His aggressive style and ability to play long innings make him a key player at the top of the order.
Ben Stokes, who is recovering from a hamstring tear that kept him out of the recent Test series victory against Sri Lanka, is also included in the squad. Stokes, known for his all-round capabilities and leadership, is a vital part of the team. His inclusion, even as he continues his recovery, underscores his importance to the squad both as a player and a captain.
The full squad for England includes: Ben Stokes (Captain, Durham), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Jordan Cox (Essex), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Josh Hull (Leicestershire), Jack Leach (Somerset), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Olly Stone (Nottinghamshire), and Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected to announce a revamped schedule for the series in the coming days. According to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the matches will be hosted in Multan and Rawalpindi. This will be a significant series for both teams, as it forms part of the World Test Championship and offers crucial points in the standings.
For England, this series represents an opportunity to continue their impressive run in Test cricket, build on their previous successes in Pakistan, and integrate new players into the fold. For Pakistan, it will be a chance to challenge a strong England side on home soil and demonstrate their own strengths in the longest format of the game.
Overall, the selection reflects a balanced approach, combining the stability of experienced players with the dynamism of new talent. The series promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to prove their mettle and gain valuable points in the World Test Championship.
