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England have dropped Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, selecting the uncapped duo of Emilio Gay and James Rew in the 15-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Sonny Baker is the uncapped pacer called up alongside the returning Ollie Robinson and Matthew Fisher.
After a disappointing run with the bat in the 2025–26 Ashes, both Crawley and Pope have been sidelined by the selectors. Will Jacks has also been dropped.
Gay, who averages 92 and has scored 552 runs for Durham, is set to open the batting with Ben Duckett. Rew will serve as the backup wicketkeeper to Jamie Smith.
Rob Key, England Men’s managing director of cricket, said: “We have 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.
“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 have gone about their cricket in high-pressure situations.
“It is 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 is exactly where we want to be as a Test team.”
Among the first-choice players unavailable for selection were Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse and Mark Wood. With Jacks omitted, Rehan Ahmed also returns to the Test fold.
England squad for the Lord’s 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.
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