England has announced a 13-player team for the first 2 Tests versus New Zealand, which will begin on June 2 at the historic Lord’s London stadium in London. Returning to the camp for England include experienced fast bowlers James Anderson & Stuart Broad. The first of the 2 Tests will begin on June 2.
This series will be watched closely by a lot of people since it will be the shape of new things to come for England’s test squad. Ben Stokes, a renowned all-rounder, will take over as captain after Joe Root dropped down from the position in the midst of the national team’s tough run.
In addition to that, Brendon McCullum will be making his debut as England’s head coach for a test match, so there will be a lot of focus on him. In the meantime, the selection committee has made a number of noteworthy additions, the most significant of which being Yorkshire batter Harry Brook and Durham bowler Matthew Potts, both of whom have received their first Test call-ups. In the present County Championship, Brook, who earned his Twenty20 International debut previously this year, has been playing quite well.
“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”, said Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key.
“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”, he added.
“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 concluded.
Over the same timeframe, Potts has become the most successful bowler this year in Division Two, having collected 35 wickets and 4 five-wicket hauls. A number of players, including Matthew Fisher, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Parkinson, and Ollie Robinson, have been dismissed from the squad. Saqib Mahmood, Mark Wood, and Chris Woakes are unable to play because they are to heal completely from injuries.
England Test Squad: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root.
