England vs. Pakistan: Jos Buttler in squad for first Test

England have named Jos Buttler and Dom Bess in their 12-man squad to face Pakistan in the first Test at Lord’s next week.

After impressive performances in the Indian Premier League, Buttler is returning to Test cricket for the first time since December 2016, while Somerset spin bowler Bess is getting his first call-up.

England play Pakistan in two Tests, with the first match starting at Lord’s on Thursday next week. The teams then face each other at Headingley in Leeds from 1-5 June.

Speaking about the call-ups of Buttler and Bess, national selector Ed Smith told ECB.com: “Dom Bess has made an excellent start to his first-class career. He has impressed everyone with his performances for Somerset and when he has been given opportunities with England representative teams. 

“With Jack Leach missing out due to injury, the selection panel wanted to invest opportunity in a young spin bowler. Dom’s strong form, character and all-round abilities presented a compelling case for selection.

“Jos Buttler is an outstanding talent, who is already a central part of England’s white-ball teams. The selection panel feels that this is the perfect moment to reintroduce Jos to Test cricket, where he has already enjoyed some success, including a stint playing as a specialist batsman at number seven.

“Jos is playing with great confidence and flair, and he will bring unique qualities to the Test team.”

England Test squad

Joe Root (Yorkshire, captain); James Anderson (Lancashire); Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire, wicketkeeper); Dom Bess (Somerset); Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire); Jos Buttler (Lancashire); Alastair Cook (Essex); Dawid Malan (Middlesex); Ben Stokes (Durham); Mark Stoneman (Surrey); Chris Woakes (Warwickshire); Mark Wood (Durham)