England Name Squad for New Zealand Test Series

ENGLAND have named their squad for the New Zealand Test Match at Lord's starting on 4 June 2026. The squad includes three uncapped players at Test level - Durham top-order batter Emilio Gay, Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker, and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew. Leicestershire spinner Rehan Ahmed, Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher, and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson return to the Test squad. The England and Wales Cricket Board has also confirmed the appointment of Marcus North, the former Australia Test Cricketer and Durham CCC Director of Cricket since October 2018, as England's new Men's National Selector.

England Men's Squad - First Rothesay Test vs New Zealand

• Ben Stokes (Durham) - Captain
• 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) - W/K
• Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
• Joe Root (Yorkshire)
• Jamie Smith (Surrey) - W/K
• Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)

The Uncapped Trio

Emilio Gay has been one of the standout performers in this season's Rothesay County Championship. The Durham opening batsman, 26, has scored 552 runs at an average of 92, including three centuries. Gay also has international experience, having previously represented Italy in three IT20 internationals.

James Rew, a solid left-handed batsman, continues to underline his pedigree for Somerset in the County Championship. He has been a consistent performer in Division One this season, scoring 392 runs at an average of 43.55, including a century against Nottinghamshire last month.

Sonny Baker, the Hampshire quick bowler, has emerged as one of the quickest and most exciting young seamers in the county game. The 22-year-old continues to impress with his pace and attacking style across formats. After making his England white-ball debut in 2025, Baker has carried his momentum into the 2026 County Championship season, highlighted by a maiden five-wicket haul against Somerset. He has taken 14 wickets at an average of 26 this season.

The Returning Trio

Rehan Ahmed, the Leicestershire player who is currently playing for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, has already established himself at Test level despite still being only 21, claiming 24 wickets in 10 Tests since becoming England's youngest men's Test debutant in Pakistan in 2022.

Matthew Fisher, the Surrey seam bowler, is regarded as one of the best seam bowlers in the county game following his move from Yorkshire ahead of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old, who made his England Test debut against the West Indies in 2022, enjoyed an impressive first season at The Kia Oval and has carried that form into the 2026 County Championship campaign, taking 11 wickets in his opening four matches, including figures of 6 for 144 against Sussex.

Ollie Robinson of Sussex last played Test cricket in February 2024, and he will be looking to add to his 20 Test caps. He started the season strongly and has taken on the county captaincy, which has seen the Martlets start the season well despite a 12-point ECB deduction.

Rob Key on the Selection

England Men's Managing Director Rob Key said: "We've selected a squad that we believe has an exciting blend of proven international quality, strong county form, and players with huge potential to develop at Test level. 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.

"It's also great to welcome back players like Rehan, Matt, and Ollie, who all bring different qualities and experience to the group. Competition for places remains incredibly strong and that's exactly where we want to be as a Test team. Jofra Archer is unavailable for the first Test. He continues to play in the IPL, and it is about building him up for red-ball cricket after a long six months on the road."

Marcus North Appointed National Selector

The ECB has confirmed the appointment of Marcus North as England's new Men's National Selector. Raised in Western Australia, North represented his country in 21 Test matches and two One-Day Internationals. A left-handed batter, he enjoyed an extensive county cricket career across six counties. Since taking charge at Durham in October 2018, North has overseen significant progress both on and off the field and has earned widespread respect across the domestic game. Since 2025, he has also led both the men's and women's professional programmes at the club.

In his new role, North will oversee domestic cricket throughout the English summer, contribute to decisions regarding England Men's central contracts, and work closely with the scouting network on player identification and succession planning. He will also collaborate with the ECB Science and Medicine team on player availability, workload management, and programme planning.

Key added: "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. He has been heavily involved in the county game for many years, both as a player and more recently during eight successful years as Director of Cricket at Durham, where he has earned huge respect across the game. Marcus also brings international pedigree from his time playing for Australia."

Marcus North said: "I am absolutely delighted to be appointed England Men's National Selector. It is a tremendous honour to be entrusted with a role of such responsibility, and I am excited to contribute to the continued development of the England Men's teams. 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.

"The opportunity to help shape the future of England Men's teams is one I'm incredibly passionate about. I'm excited to get started working closely with Rob, Brendon, Ben, Harry, and the wider performance team. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Durham and would like to thank Tim Bostock for handing me the opportunity back in 2018. I will be forever grateful for the support shown by the Board, players, staff, and supporters over the past eight years."

The New Zealand Tour

New Zealand start their tour with a single Test Match against Ireland before coming to England to play three Test Matches at Lord's, the Kia Oval, and Trent Bridge, Nottingham.