England Reveal Squad for First Test Against New Zealand

England have revealed their squad for the first test against New Zealand that is scheduled to start from June 4 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Stadium. Emilio Gay and Sonnie Baker could make their test debut, as England are looking to start the series on a high note.

Opener Gay and fast bowler Baker, who play for Durham and Hampshire in the County Championship, have both been named in the squad. Ollie Robinson is also set to make his return after being away from the Test side for two years.

Meanwhile, Shoaib Bashir has earned a place in the reduced squad despite missing out on the Ashes 2025. The off-spinner last played a Test match against India in 2025.

Speaking about Bashir’s inclusion, England head coach Brendon McCullum said that the team believes in him due to his strong spin-bowling skills.

“We firmly believe in Bash as an international cricketer. When I look back to why he wasn’t required in Australia, it wasn’t to do with how the ball was coming out of his hand per se, we just felt the conditions were not conducive to spin bowling, as did Australia,” said Brendon McCullum while talking to the reporters.

“We remain hugely confident and optimistic about Bash as a cricketer and the role he can play for us.” added Brendon McCullum.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of Sonnie Baker and Gus Atkinson in the final XI will depend on the conditions, as England will try to pick a bowling lineup that can dismiss the Black Caps batting threat at Lord’s.

“We’ll just work out whether we want the extra air speed, if all of a sudden it becomes 35 degrees and flattens out. Or we stick to what’s tried and tested at Lord’s and remain with more of the type of bowlers that’ll extract some movement with some overhead conditions,” said England head coach Brendon McCullum.

England Squad for 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.