The England Men’s selection panel has revealed a 17-man squad for the upcoming three-match Test series in Pakistan, scheduled for October. The team will be led by Ben Stokes and features several familiar faces, along with a few fresh talents eager to make their mark on the international stage.
Uncapped Players: Brydon Carse and Jordan Cox
Among the 17 players selected, Brydon Carse from Durham and Jordan Cox from Essex are the only uncapped players. Carse, a fast bowler, and Cox, a promising young batter, will be looking to seize the opportunity to showcase their potential on the international stage.
Return of Key Players
The squad sees the return of spinners Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach. Leach’s inclusion is particularly significant, as this is his first Test call-up since January 2024, when he played in the opening Test against India. Leach has long been a reliable spinner for England, and his experience could prove invaluable in Pakistani conditions that traditionally favor spin bowling.
Rehan Ahmed, the Leicestershire leg-spinner, is also part of the squad. He made his Test debut in Karachi during England’s previous tour of Pakistan in December 2022 and has since earned four Test caps. The 19-year-old will be eager to add to his international experience and further his development.
The Squad in Detail
- Ben Stokes (Durham) – Captain
- 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)
- Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Players Returning to Pakistan
Eight players from this squad were part of the team that claimed a 3-0 Test series victory in Pakistan in 2022. These include Ben Stokes, Rehan Ahmed, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, and Joe Root. The experience of having already played and won in Pakistan will provide a crucial advantage for England as they aim to replicate their success in similar conditions.
Notable Comebacks
Kent opener Zak Crawley makes a return to the Test squad after missing out on selection since the West Indies series in July. Crawley has been recovering from a fractured finger, an injury sustained at Edgbaston, and his progress has been closely monitored by the England medical team. The 26-year-old is now back in contention and will be aiming to regain his spot at the top of the order.
Similarly, Ben Stokes, England’s talismanic captain, has been recovering from a hamstring tear that kept him out of the recent Test series victory over Sri Lanka. His leadership and all-round capabilities will be crucial as England prepare for the challenge of playing in Pakistan.
Josh Hull’s First Senior Tour
Another exciting inclusion in the squad is Leicestershire seamer Josh Hull, who made his Test debut this week at the Kia Oval. Hull, known for his pace and accuracy, will be embarking on his first senior tour with the England team. The experience gained in this series will be invaluable as he looks to establish himself as a regular in England’s bowling line-up.
Venues and Schedule
While the venues for the three-match Test series have yet to be confirmed, an announcement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is expected shortly. The series will mark another high-profile tour for England as they continue to build momentum following recent successes in Test cricket.
England’s last visit to Pakistan resulted in a historic 3-0 series victory, a result that showcased their dominance in the longest format of the game. This time, they will be aiming to repeat that performance under different conditions and with a refreshed squad.
Key Players to Watch
- Ben Stokes: Returning as captain, his leadership and match-winning abilities will be pivotal.
- Rehan Ahmed: A young leg-spinner with immense potential, aiming to cement his place in the team.
- Harry Brook: One of England’s rising stars, Brook has been in sensational form and will look to continue his success in Pakistan.
- Jack Leach: His return to the Test set-up will add strength to England’s spin department, crucial in subcontinental conditions.
- Joe Root: A stalwart of the England team, Root’s experience and batting prowess will be central to England’s success.
Conclusion
England’s Test squad for the tour of Pakistan in October is a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent. With key figures like Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jack Leach making their return, and emerging players like Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, and Josh Hull getting their chance, this promises to be an exciting series. As England look to build on their recent success in Pakistan, all eyes will be on how this squad performs under challenging conditions.
The upcoming Test series is set to be a major event in the cricketing calendar, and fans will be eagerly awaiting news on the venues and exact dates for what promises to be a thrilling contest between two top teams.
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