England name uncapped trio for first NZ Test

England have named three uncapped players in their 15-member squad for the opening Test against New Zealand (NZ) at Lord’s, beginning on 4 June.

Top-order batter Emilio Gay, fast bowler Sonny Baker and wicketkeeper-batter James Rew have all received maiden Test call-ups following impressive performances in domestic cricket and for the England Lions setup.

England squad for first Test against New Zealand: 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, Josh Tongue.

Ben Stokes will return and captain the squad, which also includes regulars Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

Rehan Ahmed, Matthew Fisher and Ollie Robinson, who last played a Test in February 2024, return to the squad, with Ahmed set for a potential first home Test appearance after previously featuring only in overseas matches so far.

England have also confirmed the appointment of Australian Marcus North as England Men’s National Selector. The former Australian batter joins from Durham, where he served as Director of Cricket, and will work across England Men’s senior team planning.

The three-match Test series will be a part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, where England are currently placed eighth in the standings after Bangladesh stunned Pakistan in their first Test at Mirpur.