The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a strong 16-member squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Led by captain Ben Stokes, England will tour New Zealand for three Test matches scheduled for November and December.
The squad features only one change from the team that faced Pakistan, with Jacob Bethell replacing Jamie Smith. Smith has been granted paternity leave for the birth of his first child, allowing him to focus on his family during this significant time. In Smith’s absence, Jordan Cox has been named the wicketkeeper for the New Zealand Tests. Cox, along with Bethell and Rehan Ahmed, will join the main Test squad following the upcoming series against the West Indies.
England’s core batting group remains intact, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett selected as openers. Joe Root and Harry Brook will lead the middle order, while skipper Ben Stokes will play a crucial role throughout the series. Rising star Gus Atkinson will spearhead the bowling attack, supported by experienced bowlers Chris Woakes, Matthew Potts, and Olly Stone.
England’s Squad for New Zealand Tests:
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
- Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
- Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
- Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)
- Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
- Brydon Carse (Durham)
- Jordan Cox (Essex)
- Zak Crawley (Kent)
- Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
- Jack Leach (Somerset)
- Ollie Pope (Surrey)
- Matthew Potts (Durham)
- Joe Root (Yorkshire)
- Olly Stone (Nottinghamshire)
- Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
With this lineup, England aims to build on their recent successes and put in a strong performance against the Blackcaps in their home conditions.
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