After a 4-1 test away defeat against Australia in the Ashes, England would be returning to play their first test match of the season against New Zealand. Upon the squad announcement, the few changes in the 15-man squad have been the talk. Zak Crawley, who was seen suffering from form in the current County season, has been left out, whereas seamer Ollie Robinson has made a comeback to the National side long after his last match against India in February 2024. Ollie Pop and Will Jacks have also missed out on being in the squad. On the other hand, England called up Emilio Gay, Sonny Baker and James Rew, three uncapped players for their first test.
The return of fast bowler Matthew Fisher and leg spinner Rehan Ahmed, along with off-spinner Shoaib Basir, who missed the Ashes encounter. Jofra Archer has also not been named as part of workload management.
Managing Director of England Rob Key expressed this as “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.”
England Men’s Squad for First Test vs 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.
England have named their 15-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand 🏴🚨 pic.twitter.com/XYUlDmtM5b
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) May 13, 2026
“The three uncapped players have earned their opportunities,” said Rob Key
Durham top batsman Emilio Gay scored 552 runs at an average of 92 for Durham so far this season. He has also earlier represented Italy in three T20 international matches. In County Championship season, Sonny Baker from Hampshire has also established himself as an impactful pace bowler, recording a five-wicket haul against Somerset and a three-wicket maiden against Yorkshire in April with a speed over 90mph. The 22-year-old wicket-keeper batsman James Rew has also been exceptional for Somerset this County season, scoring 379 runs at an average of 75.80 with three fifties and a century in his opening matches. No doubt why England has given them their maiden call-up.
“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,” Rob Key added.
The English squad will return to training camp at Loughborough on May 22, whereas Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell will join the squad after the completion of IPL.
