Joe Root to lead England in South Africa Tests; Shoaib Bashir and Ollie Pope left out

AI Summary

Joe Root will captain England's 15-player squad for a three-Test tour of South Africa, beginning in Johannesburg on December 17. Liam Patterson-White receives his first call-up and Jacob Bethell returns from injury, while Shoaib Bashir and Ollie Pope are omitted and Dan Lawrence returns.

England have announced a 15-member squad for their South Africa Test tour, with Joe Root as captain. Liam Patterson-White earns his maiden call-up after an impressive County Championship season, while Jacob Bethell returns from injury. Shoaib Bashir and Ollie Pope miss out, while Dan Lawrence returns. The three-Test series begins in Johannesburg on December 17.