England have announced a 16-member squad for the opening two Tests of their three-match series against Pakistan, with Joe Root set to lead the side following Ben Stokes' retirement from Test cricket.
The series, which begins later this month, forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the entire series after sustaining a right knee injury, paving the way for Jordan Cox to take his place in the squad and bat at No. 3.
Dan Lawrence has earned a recall to England's Test side for the first time in two years after an outstanding County Championship season with Surrey, where he has scored five centuries this year.
Root begins new era
Root takes over the Test captaincy after Stokes retired following England's home series against New Zealand.
Lawrence is expected to bat at No. 6 while also providing part-time spin, helping fill the all-round role vacated by Stokes.
England have also recalled Ollie Pope, Sam Cook and Brydon Carse. Pope will provide batting depth and wicketkeeping cover for Jamie Smith, while Cook and Carse strengthen England's pace attack.
Shoaib Bashir has retained his place in the squad, although England are expected to field an all-seam bowling attack for the opening Test.
Bethell injury opens door for Cox
Bethell's absence is a significant setback for England after the young batter had established himself at No. 3 since replacing Pope during the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old suffered the knee injury during last month's ODI series against India and has also been ruled out of The Hundred.
Jordan Cox, who made his Test debut against India at The Oval last month, is expected to slot into the crucial No. 3 position. Although he usually bats at No. 4 for Essex, Cox has previous experience opening the innings during his time with Kent.
England seek fresh start
England enter the Pakistan series after winning just two of their last 10 Test matches and will be aiming to begin a new chapter under Root's leadership.
Pakistan, meanwhile, arrive after drawing their recent two-match Test series 1-1 against the West Indies, having secured their first overseas Test victory in three years.
The three-match series will be played at Headingley, Lord's and Edgbaston.
National selector Marcus North said the squad balances emerging talent with experienced players capable of taking on a competitive Pakistan side.
He praised Lawrence's outstanding domestic form and described Cox as one of England's most exciting young batters, saying the youngster had earned the opportunity to replace the injured Bethell.
England squad
Joe Root (captain), 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 and Josh Tongue.
