England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced a 15-man squad for the Test series against New Zealand which starts on 28th May. Jofra Archer faces the prospect of surgery on the elbow and Ben Stokes is weeks away from fitness after a broken finger. Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, and Chris Woakes are all not included having only recently emerged from 10 days of post-IPL quarantine.
James Bracey and Ollie Robinson receiving their first full call-ups after 12 months spent among the reserves. Craig Overton has also returned to the side for the first time since the 2019 Ashes. Mark Wood and Olly Stone will be the two pace options for captain Joe Root. With Jos Buttler rested, Ben Foakes is in line to make a home debut behind the stumps
The 24-year-old Bracey has scored 478 runs for Gloucestershire this season at an average of 53, with the left-hander predominantly coming in at No 3. He is another wicket-keeping option but he will be batting up the order.
England name two uncapped cricketers for New Zealand Tests
Robinson’s first full call-up follows 29 wickets at 14 in five Championship matches for Sussex. Overton is also believed to have hit a new level in recent times and has claimed 32 wickets at 14 for Somerset in 2021.
Silverwood said: “James Bracey and Ollie Robinson deserve their call ups to the Test squad. They have been consistent performers in the County Championship this season and over the past 18 months, have excelled for the Lions on the field and in the various camps they have been involved in.
“Having spent all winter and last summer in the company of our established Test players, they have immersed themselves in preparing and understanding what it takes to play at this level. The environment and culture will be something they are used to, and should they be in a position to make their Test debuts, they will be ready to showcase their skills.”
England and New Zealand will lock horns in a two-match Test series which starts on June 2nd. The first match will be played at the historic Lord’s Cricket Stadium followed by the 2nd Test at Edgbaston from June 10.
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.
