Ollie Robinson has earned a surprise recall to England’s Test squad after a two-year absence, while uncapped trio Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker have received maiden call-ups for the first Test against New Zealand national cricket team at Lord’s Cricket Ground on 4 June.
The squad announcement comes after England’s disappointing 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia national cricket team earlier this year.
England have also dropped opener Zak Crawley for the first time since captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took charge of the Test side in 2022.
Robinson Returns After Two-Year Exile
Robinson last played Test cricket during England’s tour of India in 2024 before falling out of favour amid concerns over fitness and recurring back injuries.
Despite his absence, the 32-year-old still boasts an impressive Test record with 76 wickets in 20 matches at an average below 23.
The Sussex seamer has enjoyed a strong County Championship season, captaining Sussex County Cricket Club to three wins from five games while taking 17 wickets and scoring a century against Surrey.
England are looking for a new pace-bowling leader following the retirements of Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Chris Woakes in recent years.
Robinson joins a pace attack featuring Josh Tongue, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Fisher and Hampshire quick Baker.
Gay Set To Replace Crawley At The Top
Durham batter Gay appears favourite to partner Ben Duckett at the top of the order after scoring three County Championship centuries this season.
The 26-year-old would become a dual international if selected, having previously represented Italy in T20 cricket.
Somerset’s Rew, meanwhile, has already scored 12 first-class hundreds despite being only 22. Although usually a middle-order batter, England recently asked him to open in county cricket.
Baker’s inclusion follows a promising start to the season with Hampshire despite difficult white-ball international debuts last year.
England have also retained spinner Shoaib Bashir, who missed the entire Ashes series, alongside leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed.
Marcus North Appointed England Selector
England also confirmed the appointment of former Australia batter Marcus North as the new national selector.
North replaces Luke Wright after stepping down following the Ashes and becomes the first overseas figure to lead England’s selection panel.
The squad will gather for a training camp at Loughborough University on 22 May before the opening Test begins at Lord’s.
Discussion about this post