Will Jacks is the new face in England’s Test squad as captain Ben Stokes recalled a host of old hands to the fold for December’s tour of Pakistan.
The Surrey all-rounder, already capped at white-ball level, is the lone maiden call-up to a 15-man party headlined by the return of Mark Wood for the first time since March.
Keaton Jennings and Ben Duckett return for the first time since 2019 and 2016 respectively after superb domestic campaigns with Lancashire and Nottinghamshire.
There is no Stuart Broad, however, after the bowler opted to remain at home for the birth of his first child. Paceman Jamie Overton is included following a Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year.
Liam Livingstone will be chasing a first cap, having last been included in a Test squad in 2018, while form batsman Jonny Bairstow is absent through the injury that has ruled him out of the T20 World Cup.
Former captain Joe Root, alongside James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope and Ollie Robinson, make up the rest of Brendon McCullum’s party.
An exciting, 15-strong squad for our Test series in Pakistan in December!
🏴 #ENGvPAK 🇵🇰
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 12, 2022
“We are looking forward to touring Pakistan as a Test team for the first time since 2005,” ECB director Rob Key stated. “It will be a historic tour and a compelling series against a good side. The selectors have picked a squad for the conditions we can expect.
“There is a strong blend of youth and experience and players who will adapt well to the types of pitches we are likely to get across the three-match series. I wish the players every success, especially those new to the squad and those returning after a period of time away.”
England squad; Ben Stokes, James Anderson, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Will Jacks, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood.
Source: Livescore