Ollie Pope returns to England Test squad for Pakistan series

England has named a 16-man squad for the opening two Tests against Pakistan, with Joe Root returning as captain. Ollie Pope makes a comeback after a nine-month absence, having scored 510 runs at an average of 56.66 in the County Championship. Dan Lawrence is expected to fill in as an all-rounder for Ben Stokes, with a stellar County campaign behind him. Sam Curran is also in contention for a Test return, as England seeks a replacement for the injured Stokes. The new squad marks a significant transition for the team under Root and head coach Stephen Fleming.