England leave out Zak Crawley for first New Zealand Test at Lord’s

LONDON: England have omitted opener Zak Crawley from their squad for next month’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s as the side begins reshaping its red-ball setup after a 4-1 Ashes series defeat in Australia.

Durham batter Emilio Gay is in line to take Crawley’s place at the top of the order after being named in a 15-man squad that also includes two other uncapped players — Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicket-keeper-batsman James Rew.

Crawley made 273 runs in 10 innings at an average of 27.30 during England’s 2025-26 Ashes campaign and, according to the squad announcement, has also struggled for form for Kent this season. It is the first occasion since captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum assumed charge of the Test team in 2022 that Crawley has been left out of a squad while available for selection.

England may hand as many as three debuts in the opening match of the three-Test series, which begins at Lord’s on June 4.

Fast bowler Ollie Robinson has returned after an absence of more than two years, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has also been recalled. Robinson’s return is notable as England look for a dependable new-ball option following the retirements of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes. Despite fitness and attitude concerns mentioned in the report, the Sussex paceman has taken 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 in 20 Tests. His last England appearance came in February 2024.

Gay, 26, has enjoyed a strong county season for Durham, scoring 522 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 92. Rew, 22, is expected to offer batting cover and serve as back-up wicket-keeper to Jamie Smith.

Ahmed, who became England’s youngest men’s Test cricketer in Pakistan in 2022 at the age of 18, joins Shoaib Bashir as the specialist spinners in the squad.

All-rounder Will Jacks and batter Ollie Pope have also been dropped. Pope had lost his place during the Ashes after a run of low scores.

Rob Key calls squad an exciting blend

England managing director Rob Key described the group as an exciting mix of established internationals and players rewarded for county performances.

“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,” said former England batsman Key. “It’s also great to welcome back players like Rehan, Matt and Ollie, who all bring different qualities and experience to the group.”

Marcus North appointed national selector

In a separate development, former Australia batter Marcus North said it was “a tremendous honour” to be appointed England’s national selector.

North, who is currently Durham’s director of cricket, replaces Luke Wright and will serve on the selection panel alongside Stokes, white-ball captain Harry Brook, managing director Key and England performance officials.

The 46-year-old was chosen ahead of former England internationals Steven Finn, Darren Gough and Nick Knight.

“Having spent the past several years working closely within the county game, I have seen first-hand the strength and depth of talent across the domestic system,” said North. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the counties in identifying, supporting and selecting players who can thrive at international level. The opportunity to help shape the future of England men’s teams is one I’m incredibly passionate about.”

Key said North’s knowledge of county cricket and international background made him the standout choice for the role.

The squad for the first Test is: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew (wicket-keeper), Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Josh Tongue.