Uncapped Trio Named for First New Zealand Test
Emilio Gay, James Rew, and Sonny Baker are the three uncapped players selected in a 15-man England squad for the first Test against New Zealand scheduled for next month. Ollie Robinson also returns to the squad after a two-year absence.
Following the conclusion of the Ashes series, England have appointed Marcus North as a new selector, a move now confirmed, and committed to placing greater emphasis on county cricket performances. Gay, who is averaging 92 this season at Durham under North’s guidance, and 22-year-old Rew, who has already scored 12 centuries for Somerset, exemplify this approach.
Which of these players will feature in the final XI for the first Test, starting at Lord’s on 4 June, remains uncertain. The only clear vacancy appears to be in the top seven batting positions, specifically at opener. Ben Duckett retains his place after regaining form at Nottinghamshire following a disappointing Ashes tour, but Zak Crawley has been omitted after struggling early in the season with Kent. Ollie Pope is also excluded, having been replaced by Jacob Bethell during the Australia tour.
Gay has been batting at number three in Division Two this summer and has prior experience in that role, while Rew has primarily served as a wicketkeeper-batter in the middle order, accumulating runs in Division One. Notably, Rew opened for the first time in his career last week against Glamorgan, scoring four and zero.
Sonny Baker is competing for seam-bowling positions in the final XI. The 22-year-old has taken 14 wickets at an average of 26.21 for Hampshire this season. With Brydon Carse sidelined due to injury and Jofra Archer set to take time to recalibrate after the Indian Premier League, the bowling attack is expected to be refreshed.
Rob Key, England men’s team director, commented on the selections:
“Emilio, James and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent, but in high-pressure situations.”
Matthew Fisher of Surrey, who was unused during the Ashes after being called up mid-tour, remains in the squad. However, Matthew Potts, despite playing in Sydney, has been omitted. New ball responsibilities are likely to be assigned to Ollie Robinson and Gus Atkinson unless captain Ben Stokes opts to alter his bowling role.
Robinson’s return is particularly notable. The 32-year-old has not been selected since a solitary Test in India in 2024, despite taking 76 wickets at an average of 22. Concerns over his fitness approach contributed to his exclusion.
Although a 15-man squad for a home Test may seem large, it provides captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum with numerous options as they aim to rebuild the team. The spinner’s role remains open, with England retaining Shoaib Bashir and recalling Rehan Ahmed from Leicestershire, who offers a more all-round skill set.
Appointment of Marcus North as Selector
Marcus North, who will serve as part of the selection panel rather than leading it, was praised by Rob Key:
“Marcus stood out through his knowledge of the domestic game, his experience across different environments and the relationships he has built throughout county cricket over a long period of time.”
North, departing Durham after six years as director of cricket, added:
“Having spent the past several years working closely within the county game, I have seen first-hand the strength and depth of talent across the domestic system. I’m looking forward to working closely with the counties in identifying, supporting and selecting players who can thrive at International level.”
England Test Squad for First New Zealand Test
Ben Stokes (Durham), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Matthew Fisher (Surrey), Emilio Gay (Durham), James Rew (Somerset), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
