Jos Buttler recalled as England name uncapped off-spinner

England have given Jos Buttler a surprise recall to their Test team for the first Test match against Pakistan at Lord’s starting on Thursday 24 May.

Buttler, who is currently impressing at the IPL, is expected to play as a specialist batsman at number seven. He has not played Test cricket since England's Test against India in Chennai in December 2016.

Also in the squad is Mark Wood, who left the IPL early in order to push his claim for a place in England's Test side.

England's new national selector Ed Smith has also called up uncapped off-spinner Dom Bess following an injury to his Somerset spin twin Jack Leach, who played in the side's previous Test against New Zealand.

Bess, 20, has an average of 22.49 from 16 first-class games.

Meanwhile James Vince has been dropped from the squad despitea double-hundred for Hampshire on Monday, while opener Mark Stoneman retains his place.

Ed Smith said: “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.”

“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.

England Test squad

Joe Root (captain)
James Anderson
Jonny Bairstow (wicket-keeper)
Dom Bess
Stuart Broad
Jos Buttler
Alastair Cook
Dawid Malan
Ben Stokes
Mark Stoneman
Chris Woakes
Mark Wood