England have unveiled their Test squad for the three-match series in South Africa.

Joe Root will captain England on South Africa tour.

England have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match Test series against hosts South Africa, with Joe Root set to lead the side on a challenging overseas assignment. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the squad on Monday, with uncapped left-arm spinner Liam Patterson-White earning his maiden Test call-up and Jacob Bethell returning after recovering from a knee injury.

The series, scheduled for December 17 to January 7, will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. It will also mark the beginning of Stephen Fleming’s tenure as England’s full-time Test head coach.

Joe Root to captain England in South Africa

Root will captain a squad that combines established international performers with players looking to make their mark in Test cricket. The batting group includes Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith and Emilio Gay.

England will be hoping their experienced players can deliver against a formidable South African team that recently returned to the top of the ICC Test rankings after beating Australia 2-1. South Africa are also the reigning World Test Championship holders, making the tour a significant examination of England’s progress.

Root’s leadership will be particularly important as England begin a new chapter under Fleming. The former New Zealand skipper and highly successful franchise coach will be tasked with building on the team’s recent performances while helping the squad adapt to challenging overseas conditions.

Liam Patterson-White earns maiden Test call-up

One of the biggest talking points in England’s selection is the inclusion of Nottinghamshire spinner Liam Patterson-White. The left-arm finger spinner has been rewarded for an impressive County Championship campaign, during which he claimed 42 wickets at an average of 25.11 in Division One.

His selection comes at the expense of Shoaib Bashir, who has been included in the England Lions red-ball squad for the South Africa tour. England’s selectors believe Patterson-White offers the right balance for the conditions expected during the Test series.

Jacob Bethell is another notable inclusion. The young all-rounder missed England’s home Test series against Pakistan after suffering a knee injury that required surgery. His return provides another option in the batting department and gives the team additional flexibility.

England vs South Africa Test Series: Schedule

The opening Test will be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg from December 17 to 21. The second Test is scheduled for December 26 to 30 in Centurion, followed by the third match in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.

England will also play a warm-up match against a Cricket South Africa XI in Durban from December 9 to 11.

England’s Test Squad for South Africa tour

Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Liam Patterson-White, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.