England have named the squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand scheduled to begin on June 2 at Lord’s. Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson have received the maiden Test call-ups while the team would be led by Joe Root.
Bracey has notched up a total of 478 Championship runs so far in this campaign averaging 53, while Robinson has scalped 29 wickets at an average of 14.
Craig Overton who last played for England in a Test in September 2019 against Australia has also been recalled.
Moeen Ali, Jonathan Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes have been rested from the home fixtures. The England Cricket Board had earlier said that it won’t rush the players returning from the now suspended IPL 2021 for the Test series against New Zealand.
Apart from this Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were not considered for the selection due to their respective injuries. Stokes fractured his finger while playing for Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2021 while Archer’s elbow injury popped up once again while playing for Sussex in the County Championship.
England Men’s Head Coach, Chris Silverwood, said: “The summer of Test cricket will be fascinating. Playing the top two teams in the world, in New Zealand and India, is perfect preparation for us as we continue to improve and progress towards an Ashes series in Australia at the back end of the year. “
Silverwood further added that the absence of key players from the squad is an opportunity for the new faces to showcase their talent.
“With several players not available through injury or being rested for the New Zealand series, it is an opportunity for us to reward those who have been on the fringes of England squads over the past 12 months,” he added.
SQUAD: Joe Root (C), James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood