England have dropped the underperforming duo of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope for the opening Test of the home summer against New Zealand at Lord’s, as the selectors banked on three consistent County performers to form a fresh-looking squad.
Durham batter Emilio Gay, Hampshire quick Sonny Baker and Somerset keeper-bat James Rew earned their maiden Test call-ups in the 15-man squad announced on Wednesday for the first Test starting on June 4. Rehan Ahmed, Matthew Fisher and Ollie Robinson also returned to the Test fold.
England squad for first Test: Ben Stokes (c), 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.
Who are you excited to see in action this summer? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/7PTxWoOgQV
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 13, 2026
Alongside the squad announcement, the England Cricket Board confirmed the appointment of former Australia batter Marcus North as England Men’s National Selector. North joins from Durham, where he served as Director of Cricket since 2018.
