ENG vs NZ | England announce 13-member squad for Test series; Anderson, Broad recalled

England Men's Cricket Team selection panel have announced a 13-member squad for the first two Tests of the Three-match series against New Zealand, starting June 2 at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

Yorkshire's Harry Brook and Durham pacer Matthew Potts got their maiden Test call up. Harry Brook has been excellent for Yorkshire in the County Championship so far. 

Brook is currently the highest run-getter in Division one, scoring 758 runs at an average of 151.60 with three centuries and four half centuries. On the other hand, the Durham paceman, Potts, is the season's leading wicket-taker with 35 wickets at an average of 18.57 with four five-wicket hauls. The 23-year-old seamer boosted his chances of selection following his seven for forty against Glamorgan.

Speaking on their selection, newly appointed Managing director for England's Men's cricket, Rob Key, said, "We have rewarded players in Harry Brook and Matty Potts who have had outstanding starts to the County season, and they deserve the opportunity to stake a claim at this level."

The legendary duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad make their return to the Test squad after being left out for the West Indies tour in February. 

"This is the start of a new era for our Test team under the stewardship of Ben (Stokes) and Brendon (McCullum). With a blend of youth and experience, we have selected an exciting squad that can compete with New Zealand in next month's Test series," Key statement in the media release.  

"It promises to be a mouthwatering series, and I can't wait for the team to start against a very good New Zealand side. It is a fascinating prospect for everyone connected with the sport in this country," he added.

The three-match Test series is scheduled to start on June 2 and is a part of the ICC World Test Championship. England are sitting at the 9th spot with only one win in the last twelve months. They will be looking to climb the rankings with the newly appointed coach-captain duo Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

The announced squad members will be reporting in London on May 29 ahead of the first Test on the 2 June after coming together for a camp starting next week.

England's 13-member squad for the first two Tests of the Three-match series against New Zealand:- 

Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope and Matthew Potts.