Two uncapped players in 15-strong England squad for New Zealand Tests
by Ben Gardner
@Ben_Wisden 2 minute read
England have named a squad of 15 for their two-Test series against New Zealand, with uncapped players Ollie Robinson and James Bracey included, and Craig Overton recalled.
With England’s IPL players rested, and Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer injured, the XI Chris Silverwood will field in his first series in charge of selection will be far from full-strength. The absence of Jos Buttler leaves Ben Foakes in line to play his first Test in England, with Bracey the other wicketkeeping option in the squad. The Gloucestershire man could also play as a specialist batsman in the top order, with Rory Burns having been dropped towards the end of England’s tour of India, and Dom Sibley’s preparation interrupted by a broken finger.
The squad is heavy on fast-bowling options and light on all-rounders, with Chris Woakes and Sam Curran among the IPL players to miss out. There are six quick bowlers included, with Olly Stone and Mark Wood offering out-and-out pace and Overton and Robinson the two standout County Championship bowlers in recent times. In the last two years, Overton has 62 first-class wickets at 13.71, and Robinson 45 wickets at 14.00. Both could also bolster England’s tail, with Overton averaging 35.16 and Robinson 38.16 with the bat in the 2021 County Championship.
Jack Leach is the sole spinner in the squad, with the presence of Joe Root and Dan Lawrence as part-time options meaning England could be tempted to play four fast bowlers and leave out the left-armer from the final XI.
While Bracey and Robinson are both uncapped, the pair have spent significant time around the England squad, with each in the bubble for much of last summer and serving as back-ups on the tour of the subcontinent in early 2021.
The first Test begins at Lord’s on June 2, with the England squad meeting up on May 28.
England squad to face New Zealand: Joe Root (c), Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, James Bracey, Dom Sibley, Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Olly Stone, Mark Wood.
