New Zealand National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Match: The England and Wales Cricket Board on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the opening Test against New Zealand national cricket team, beginning on June 4 at Lord's Cricket Ground as part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. England captain Ben Stokes returns to lead the side, while batters Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope have been left out following England’s disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia.
The squad features three uncapped players in Durham batter Emilio Gay, Hampshire pacer Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew. All three earned maiden call-ups after impressive performances in county cricket.
England have also recalled spinner Rehan Ahmed, seamer Matthew Fisher and fast bowler Ollie Robinson. Robinson, who last represented England in 2024, has taken 76 wickets in Test cricket at an average of 22.92.
England Men’s managing director Rob Key said the squad reflected a balance of experience and emerging talent.
“We’ve selected a squad that we believe has a really exciting blend of proven international quality, strong county form and players with huge potential to develop at Test level,” Key said.
“Emilio, James, and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent, but with the way they’ve gone about their cricket in high-pressure situations,” he added.
Key also confirmed that fast bowler Jofra Archer will miss the Lord’s Test as he continues his IPL 2026 stint with Rajasthan Royals. All-rounder Jacob Bethell, who is currently part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will also complete his IPL commitments before joining the England camp.
The second Test of the series will be played at The Oval from June 17, while the third and final Test will take place at Trent Bridge from June 25. England’s squad is scheduled to report for a training camp at Loughborough during the week beginning May 24.
England squad for first Test: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.