England Name 15-man Test Squad For New Zealand Series; Archer, Bethell Miss Out Due To IPL Duties

England Men have confirmed a 15-player group for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, which starts on Thursday (June 4). The announcement features three uncapped players at Test level and confirms the return of several names with previous international experience.

The squad gathers for a training camp at Loughborough in the week starting 24 May, as preparation for the Lord's fixture. Selectors describe the group as a mix of established performers and players rewarded for county form, with places closely contested across all disciplines.

England Men squad Rothesay first Test New Zealand

New faces at this level are Durham top-order batter Emilio Gay, Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew. All three have been highlighted by selectors for consistent domestic performances and for handling pressure well in recent matches across formats.

Leicestershire spinner Rehan Ahmed, Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson are recalled after previous Test involvement. Ben Stokes continues as captain and will lead a group that also includes Harry Brook, Joe Root and several other players with recent international experience across formats.

Explaining the choices, England Men's Managing Director, Rob Key, said: "We've 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've gone about their cricket in high-pressure situations.

"It's 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's exactly where we want to be as a Test team.

"Jofra Archer is unavailable for the first Test. He continues to play in the IPL 2026, and it is about building him up for red-ball cricket after a long six months on the road."

Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell will leave the Indian Premier League once duties with Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru end, before joining the training camp. With uncapped players introduced, experienced names recalled and Jofra Archer managed carefully, England Men present a balanced squad for the opening New Zealand Test.