Zak Crawley has been ruled out and Ollie Robinson has returned to a new-look England squad that will feature three players for the first Test against New Zealand next month.
England, preparing to return to Test action for the first time since losing 4-1 to Australia in The Ashes, signaled changes to their 15-man squad that managing director Rob Key described as “a really exciting mix of proven international quality, strong national form and players with huge potential”.
Crawleywho struggled with the bat with Kent in the County Championship, is a big name missing after the Ashes, but there is a seamer returning. robinson It will be the first match against India since February 2024.
Durham’s best hitter Emilio GayHampshire fast bowler appearing in county game sonny baker And the Somerset wicket-keeper batsman. james lu I was included in the test team for the first time.
Gay scored 552 points and averaged 92 points for Durham this season, and the 26-year-old has previous international experience, having represented Italy in three IT20 international competitions.
Emilio Gay playing for England Lions in 2025
In addition to Robinson, who has completed 20 Tests. rehan ahmed and matthew fisher Return to the squad for the test of the Lord. Shoaib BashirMeanwhile, spin bowlers retain their places despite not having played an Ashes Test.
Jofra Archer will not be available for the first Test due to his playing commitments in the Indian Premier League.
England Team’s First Test Vs New Zealand
Ben Stokes (Durham) – Captain
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire)
Jacob Bethel (Warwickshire)
Harry Brooke (Yorkshire)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Matthew Fisher (Surrey)
Emilio Gay (Durham)
James Lou (Somerset)
Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jamie Smith (Surrey)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
“We have chosen a team that we believe has a really exciting mix of players with proven international quality, strong national form and huge potential to develop at Test level,” said Key, England men’s national football team managing director.
“Emilio, James and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent play and have impressed us not only with their talent but also with the way they play their cricket under pressure.
“We are delighted to welcome back players like Rehan, Matt and Ollie who bring a variety of qualities and experience to the group. Competition for places remains very strong and this is exactly where we want to be as a Test team.
“Jofra Archer will not be available for the first Test. He continues to play in the IPL and the idea is to groom him for red-ball cricket after being away for six months.”
The squad will attend a training camp in Loughborough from May 24.
Meanwhile, England also confirmed the appointment of former Australia international Marcus North as their new international.
North, who has been director of cricket at Durham for the past eight years, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed England men’s team selector. It is a huge honor to take on such a responsible role and I am delighted to be contributing to the continued development of the England men’s team.”
“Having worked closely within the county game over the past few years, I have seen first-hand the strength and depth of talent across the domestic system and I look forward to working closely with the county to identify, support and select players who can succeed at international level.”
England vs New Zealand Schedule
- 1st exam (Thursday, June 4 – Monday, June 8) – Lord’s, London (11am)
- 2nd exam (Wednesday, June 17th ~ Sunday, June 21st) – Kia Oval, London (11am)
- 3rd exam (Thursday, June 25th – Monday, June 29th) – Trent Bridge, Nottingham (11am)
Watch England’s home international summer matches live sky sports, The three-Test series begins against New Zealand from June 4. Can’t get Sky? Stream cricket without a contract today.
