England Announces 12-Member Squad for First Test Against New Zealand, Featuring Two New Players

London, June 3: England has announced its 12-member squad for the first Test against New Zealand, set to begin on Thursday at Lord’s. The squad includes uncapped batsman Emilio Gay and fast bowler Sonny Baker.

The England and Wales Cricket Board stated, “Top-order batsman Emilio Gay from Durham and fast bowler Sonny Baker from Hampshire, who have yet to receive their Test caps, have been included in the team. Sussex’s seam bowler Ollie Robinson makes his return to the England Test team for the first time since February 2024.”

New players Gay and Baker join the squad, while Robinson returns after a long absence.

Jofra Archer will not participate in the first match against New Zealand, as he is currently on a break after playing for six consecutive months. Archer is in Barbados and will arrive in England only after the first Test. He may be available for the second match of the series starting on June 17.

England’s head coach Brendan McCullum emphasized a cautious approach regarding Archer’s situation. He told BBC Sport, “We need to assess Jofra. He is currently taking some time off. In the past, we have seen that we can leave Jofra to his own devices, allowing him to work on his game while following a set plan. He will return to the team only when he fully adheres to that plan. We will determine his status when we meet him and see if he is available for the second Test. If not, we will consider the third Test.”

Archer spent six months with the Rajasthan Royals during the IPL. He is among several players affected by the tournament as they prepare for the Test summer. Despite Archer’s absence, Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to a finger injury. Bethell withdrew from the Royal Challengers Bangalore team ahead of the 2026 season but is expected to play at Lord’s.

Brayden Kars suffered a wrist fracture during the IPL. He participated in the training camp with England in Loughborough but will not play in the New Zealand series.

The squad for the first Test has been reduced from 15 to 12 members. England spinner Shoaib Bashir returns to the team after missing the Ashes series. He, along with Robinson, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tong, will provide additional experience to the fast bowling attack.

England’s 12-member squad for the first Test includes: Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), and Josh Tong.