If England’s squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan is anything to go by then the new era under Joe Root’s captaincy will place a greater emphasis on county cricket and aim to fill the void left by Ben Stokes’ retirement by packing out the bowling.
The main headline from the 16-man party selected for the opening two matches at Headingley, starting on 19 August, and Lord’s later this month is the absence of Jacob Bethell.
The 22-year-old has failed to recover from a knee injury sustained during the one day-series against India last month and will be replaced at No 3 in England’s batting line-up by Jordan Cox.
It’s a bold call to pick a player with just one Test appearance at such a pivotal position. But England clearly rate the Essex batter and he has a huge opportunity against Pakistan given Bethell is out for the entire series.
Jordan Cox looks set to fill the No 3 spot (Photo: Getty)
