Jos Buttler named in England’s Test squad against Pakistan

England has announced its 12-member squad for the first Test against Pakistan starting next week, with wicket keeper batsman Jos Buttler making his comeback alongside uncapped off-spinner Dom Bess.

Butler has been recalled as a specialist batsman and at the age of 27 has made a name as one of the best batsmen in limited overs cricket. However, that has not been the case in the red-ball format.

It was "the perfect moment" to reintroduce Buttler to Test cricket, said former England batsman Ed Smith quoted BBC. "He will bring unique qualities to the Test team," he added

The English side will be lead by skipper Joe Root, alongside veterans including Alastair Cook and the potent bowling duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson.

Speaking about the uncapped off-spinner Dom Bess, Smite told ECB , “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.”

Meanwhile, off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali, who has played 50 Tests but was dropped for Leach for the second Test in New Zealand, was also left out of the 12-man squad.

Pakistan will be facing England in the first Test match at the historic Lord’s on Thursday May 24.

England Squad: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (capt), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Dominic Bess.