England and New Zealand will kick off a three-match Test series on Thursday, June 4, at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Ahead of the first Test, England announced their 12-member squad on Tuesday, June 2.
England has brought back off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Ollie Robinson. Bashir, who has claimed 68 wickets in 19 Tests with an average of 39, last played internationally at Lord’s against India in July 2025, sealing victory for his team despite a broken finger. Although he recovered in time for the Ashes, he was not selected for any of the five matches.
Bashir struggled in tour matches and practice sessions, with England citing poor conditions for spinners as a reason for his limited opportunities.
“We firmly believe in Bash as an International cricketer,” England head coach Brendon McCullum told BBC Sport. “Looking back at why he wasn’t needed in Australia, it was not due to his performance, but the conditions were not suitable for spin bowling, which both teams agreed on. We remain confident in Bash’s abilities,” he added.
Robinson, with 76 wickets in 20 Tests at an average of 22.92, has not played for England since February 2024, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been left out of the squad.
New uncapped seamer Sonny Baker has been included, likely competing with Gus Atkinson for a place in the starting XI. Top-order batter Emilio Gay appears set to make his debut, with Zak Crawley dropped following a poor performance against Australia.
England’s 12-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Ollie Robinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir.