Uncapped duo Ollie Robinson and James Bracey have been named in England’s Test squad to face New Zealand next month, while there is a recall for Craig Overton.
With Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer out injured and five more players rested following their recent return from the Indian Premier League, England were always likely to cast their net wider for the two-match series against the Black Caps.
The trio have made compelling cases for inclusion in a 15-man squad, the first since head coach Chris Silverwood took over selection responsibilities from the axed Ed Smith.
Archer’s Sussex team-mate Robinson and Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman Bracey have both spent long periods working directly with the Test squad over the past year, travelling and training with the side as reserves in extended team bubbles at home and abroad.
Silverwood also offered an update on the injured parties. Stokes is well on track in his recovery and should return during Durham’s Vitality Blast campaign but Archer’s prognosis remains opaque as he prepares to see a consultant over his troublesome right elbow.
He said: “I feel for Jofra. So far he’s done everything we’ve asked of him to try and get into a good position to get back playing again and that hasn’t worked so we’ve just got to take the next step now: find out what the consultants will say.
“The best thing we can do is stay calm at this moment in time, support Jofra and make sure he gets all the help he needs to get him back. We all want Jofra fit and firing on the park.
“For Ben it’ll be a slow return. We’re potentially looking at the T20 Blast for Durham and then a gradual build back into international cricket. He has started bowling again and he’s not far off hitting a few balls as well. He’s progressing nicely and on course for where we expected him to be.”
England will link up in London on May 28 ahead of the first Test at Lord’s five days later, with the second Test at Edgbaston from June 10.
