England have suffered a major setback ahead of their upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan, with promising left-handed batter Jacob Bethell ruled out after sustaining a right knee injury. The youngster picked up the injury during England’s ODI series against India last month and is now expected to miss the entire Test campaign, which begins on August 19 in Leeds.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed Bethell’s absence on Thursday, ending hopes of the 21-year-old building on his impressive performances during the 2025-26 Ashes series. His injury has paved the way for Jordan Cox to take over the crucial No. 3 batting position for the opening two Tests.

“Bethell sustained a right knee injury during the ODI series against India last month and is set to be sidelined for the entirety of the Test series against Pakistan,” the ECB said in an official statement.

ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane Sends Strong Warning Against Pressuring Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

The board also confirmed that Cox, who made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this summer at The Oval, will slot into the top order in Bethell’s place.

England have also recalled Dan Lawrence, who returns to the Test squad for the first time in two years following an outstanding domestic season with Surrey. The 29-year-old, who has scored 671 runs in 14 Tests, is expected to strengthen the middle order at No. 6.

Joe Root is back as captain and some familiar faces also are making their return 😍 pic.twitter.com/imQamKKjjr

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 6, 2026

Meanwhile, Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse, and Sam Cook have also been included in the squad for the first two Tests, adding valuable experience alongside England’s emerging talent.

National selector Marcus North believes the selected squad offers the ideal balance required to challenge a strong Pakistan side. “We have selected a squad for the first two Tests that balances rising talent with the experience needed against a quality Pakistan team,” North said.
He also praised Lawrence’s impressive county form and described Jordan Cox as one of England’s brightest batting prospects, expressing confidence in his ability to seize the opportunity at No. 3.

ALSO READ: Viv Richards Breaks Silence On Alzarri Joseph-Daren Sammy Dispute

England’s squad for the first two Tests includes 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 (wicketkeeper) and Josh Tongue.