India, Aug. 6 -- The end of an era is rarely announced by selection alone. More often, it appears through subtler changes: a player no longer protected, a recall once considered unlikely, or a role defined with unusual precision.

England's first Test squad since the dissolution of the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum partnership carries precisely that significance. Stokes' retirement ended the captaincy that transformed England's temperament, while McCullum's departure from the Test role formally closed the Bazball chapter. Joe Root has returned as captain, while Marcus Trescothick will oversee the Pakistan series before Stephen Fleming takes charge.

The 16-member squad for the opening two Tests against Pakistan is England's first attempt to...