England Squad For New Zealand Test Announced (Source: AFP Photos)
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday announced an interesting 15-member squad for their first of three-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to get underway on June 4.
As many as three English players have been called up for the first time to represent the national side. They are Emilio Gay, Sonny Baker and James Rew.
On the other hand, Rehan Ahmed, Matthew Fisher and Ollie Robinson have returned to the mix, while there is no place for Ollie Pope, England's former vice-captain for Test cricket.
Ben Stokes Set To Return To International Cricket
The biggest news from England Squad For New Zealand Test was the return of Ben Stokes. The English all-rounder had a serious facial injury in February, and since then, he was not in action.
Recently, Stokes made his comeback in the County Championship for Durham and will now return to action at the highest stage of the sport as well.
Also Read: Harry Brook Turns ‘Genuine’ All-Rounder Ahead Of International Cricket Resumption
ECB Shares Update On IPL-Bound Players
Meanwhile, there are two England players who are currently associated with the teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They are Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell.
While Rehan is part of Delhi Capitals in the middle of the season, Bethell has been regularly playing for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in recent times.
The ECB assured that both Bethell and Rehan can return after fulfilling their IPL 2026 commitments. For those who are unaware, IPL 2026 ends on May 31, while the England versus New Zealand Test series begins on June 4.
No Jofra Archer; ECB Breaks Silence
However, the ECB also mentioned that there was no room for Jofra Archer in the first Test against New Zealand. Even though Archer is currently playing IPL 2026 with Rajasthan Royals, the ECB believes he is yet to be fully fit to return to red-ball cricket.
“Jofra Archer is unavailable for the first Test. He continues to play in the IPL, and it is about building him up for red-ball cricket after a long six months on the road," England Men’s Managing Director, Rob Key, said in a statement.
England Squad For 1st Test Vs New Zealand
Ben Stokes (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue
England Vs New Zealand Test Schedule
England Squad For New Zealand Test will begin the training camp on May 24. After that, the first Test will be played at Lord’s on June 4, while the second and third Tests will be conducted at Kennington Oval and Trent Bridge, respectively.
The second Test will commence on June 17, and the third Test will be on June 25.
Also Read: Ben Stokes Receives Fresh Boost For Cricket Comeback
