England have named their squad for the first two Tests of their upcoming series against Pakistan as they prepare for life without Ben Stokes.

Stokes called time on his international career at the end of their last Test against New Zealand, with Joe Root reappointed as red-ball captain since then.

Dan Lawrence has been recalled to the side and is set to replace Stokes at number six, while Jordan Cox is in line to bat at three after Jacob Bethell was ruled out with a knee injury.

Former vice-captain Ollie Pope is back in the squad for the first time since The Ashes, while Brydon Carse and Sam Cook have also been named in the 16-man party.

Test Match Cricket is back!

Click below to find out who has made the squad 

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 6, 2026

The first Test begins on August 19 at Headingley, Root's home ground, as England's leading scorer in the longest format captains the team in a permanent capacity for the first time since 2022.

Root holds the record for most Test matches as England captain (65) and the most wins in the role (27).

While Stephen Fleming was named as Brendon McCullum's successor, he will not start his role until the end of this series, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim head coach against Pakistan.

England squad: Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.