England have made significant changes to their Test group for the first match against New Zealand, dropping Zak Crawley and recalling seamer Ollie Robinson as part of a 15-player squad that includes three uncapped names.
The new-look squad, announced ahead of the Lord’s Test starting June 4, was described by managing director Rob Key as blending “proven international quality, strong county form and players with huge potential.” Crawley, who has struggled for runs in the County Championship, is the headline omission. Robinson returns to the Test environment for the first time since February 2024 (v India).
Three players earn maiden Test call-ups: Durham top-order batter Emilio Gay, Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew. Gay has been prolific in the county season with 552 runs at an average of 92, and has previous international experience representing Italy in three IT20 internationals. Rew has also been in good form domestically, accumulating 392 runs at an average of 43.55 this season.
Rehan Ahmed and Matthew Fisher are back in the squad alongside Robinson, and spin bowler Shoaib Bashir keeps his place despite not featuring in the Ashes. Jofra Archer is unavailable for the first Test as he continues to play in the Indian Premier League; the ECB says his IPL workload is being managed to build him back toward red-ball cricket.
England squad for first Test v New Zealand (Lord’s, June 4–8)
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.
Key said the uncapped trio had earned their places through consistent performances and temperament in pressure situations, and welcomed the returning internationals for the experience they add. The squad will gather for a training camp at Loughborough from May 24.
Media commentators reacted to the selection shake-up. Michael Atherton argued Crawley’s ongoing poor returns made his position “untenable,” noting that long-term selection needed to be justified by recent form. Nasser Hussain suggested the most obvious immediate change to the playing XI is at the top of the order: Gay is a likely candidate to open at Lord’s, with Rew also an option, and Hussain highlighted that Robinson’s recall signals the selectors’ intent that no player is guaranteed a spot.
Separately, the ECB confirmed the expected appointment of former Australia international Marcus North as England men’s national selector. North joins from Durham, where he spent several years as director of cricket, and said he was honoured to take on the role and keen to work with the counties to identify and support players for international success.
England’s home Test programme vs New Zealand
First Test: Lord’s, London — June 4–8
Second Test: The Kia Oval, London — June 17–21
Third Test: Trent Bridge, Nottingham — June 25–29
Coverage of England’s summer Test series begins at Lord’s on June 4.