Story perspectives

England names Jordan Cox for No. 3 spot

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

England will play Jordan Cox at No. 3 in the first two Tests, replacing injured Jacob Bethell.
England will host Pakistan from August 19-23 at Headingley and appointed Stephen Fleming as head coach, with Marcus Trescothick as interim coach.
Babar Azam’s participation is uncertain after a hand injury in a warm-up match.
England may use a four-seamer attack of Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue if fit, despite rain forecasts for Leeds.

History

Historical Context

England's 2005 Ashes triumph, a 2-1 series win beginning 21 July that ended a 16-year Australian hold, hinged on a four-seamer attack (Harmison, Hoggard, Flintoff, Jones). Building on that revival, selectors now target a similar quartet—Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue—ahead of the upcoming home Pakistan cricket series.

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Story summary

England will play Jordan Cox at No. 3 in the first two Tests, replacing injured Jacob Bethell.
England will host Pakistan from August 19-23 at Headingley and appointed Stephen Fleming as head coach, with Marcus Trescothick as interim coach.
Babar Azam’s participation is uncertain after a hand injury in a warm-up match.
England may use a four-seamer attack of Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue if fit, despite rain forecasts for Leeds.

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