England name two uncapped players in Test squad for Pakistan

England have named two uncapped players in their 17-strong squad for the three-Test tour of Pakistan in October.

The day after England finished their Test summer with a disappointing eight-wicket defeat to Sri Lanka, they announced their squad for their next venture, a tour of Pakistan.

Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took charge of the Test squad in 2022 and transformed their fortunes, which included a stunning 3-0 victory in Pakistan, the first ‘Bazball’ tour overseas.

Stokes returns to the side as he continues his recovery from a hamstring tear that sidelined him for the visit of Sri Lanka, with Zak Crawley also coming back at the top of the order following a fractured finger.

Eight players from the squad two years ago will return to the subcontinent country, in a tour that has already been affected by uncertainty over venues, which have yet to be confirmed.

Brydon Carse has not been capped by England at Test level, but has played in ODIs and T20s. The South Africa-born fast bowler spent three months of the season on the sidelines for historical breaches of betting rules, only returning to play on August 28.

Josh Hull retains his place having made his debut at the Oval against South Africa, with England wanting to be in charge of the 6 foot 7 inch left-armer’s development.

While spinners Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach return to join Shoaib Bashir in a strong seam attack.

England Men's Test Squad:

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)