Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson - (Source: AFP)
England’s troubles seem never-ending as the Three Lions are likely to lose another player for 2nd test vs New Zealand after the Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson saga. England will face the Kiwis on June 17 at the Oval in London and have a selection headache in front of them.
England are already without Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, who are serving a suspension for violating curfew and have been left out of the squad for the 2nd Test vs New Zealand.
Jamie Smith Likely To Miss 2nd Test vs New Zealand
After Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith is England’s latest star, who might not be available for selection for the 2nd Test. According to The Telegraph, Smith’s partner is expecting, and the 25-year-old is likely to be around his wife for the birth of his second child.
So far, there is no official update regarding Jamie Smith's availability, but England are all ready to go to the Oval with a 14-member squad.
Jordan Cox Called Mid-County Match To Join England Camp
For the 2nd Test, England made a couple of changes and brought in Jordan Cox and Jofra Archer to replace Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson. Since there was a significant gap between the two Tests, Jordan Cox remained with his County team, Essex.
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The 25-year-old locked horns against Leicestershire, where he justified his selection and slammed a double century in the 1st innings. However, since the ECB heard of Jamie Smith’s potential unavailability, Cox was released from the Essex squad mid-match and asked to join the England squad.
England To Make 5 Changes, 3 Debutants In Line For 2nd Test
According to a report from Will Macpherson of The Telegraph, England are likely to make 5 changes, which include three debutants. Two changes are imminent - Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, who were part of the 1st Test.
Now, it is likely that Jordan Cox might come in for Jamie Smith, making his England Test debut. Rest, Sommy Baker could be roped in to replace Gus Atkinson, marking another debut. The third debutant could be James Rew, England’s new 22-year-old sensation.
Rest, Jofra Archer’s inclusion is also a no-brainer as the right-arm seamer missed the 1st Test to recover from his two-month-long IPL stint with Rajasthan Royals.
England Lead 3 Match Series 1-0
It is a crucial match for the Three Lions as they can seal the series with a win at The Oval. England registered an emphatic win at the Lord's which produced a low-scoring thriller.
Talking about the 1st Test, England registered a 115-run win but now face a tough challenge because they will be without their regular captain Ben Stokes, who is serving a suspension for getting involved in a fight with a Rugby player at a bar.
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