Wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey and fast bowler Ollie Robinson received their maiden call-ups as England on Tuesday announced a 15-man squad for their two-test series against New Zealand which begins on June 2.
Bracey and Robinson travelled with England as reserves on their winter tour of Sri Lanka and India, and were rewarded for impressive starts to their County Championship seasons with Gloucestershire and Sussex, respectively.
Head coach Chris Silverwood has also recalled Craig Overton, who last played during the 2019 Ashes. Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were ruled out because of their respective injuries. Archer’s elbow injury recently resurfaced during a County Championship match.
“James Bracey and Ollie Robinson deserve their call ups to the Test squad. They have been consistent performers in the County Championship this season,” Silverwood said.
“They are both resilient characters and have demonstrated… that they have the desire, temperament and the ability to continually improve to give themselves every chance of succeeding on the international stage.”
England’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 contingent, including Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran, have been rested following the completion of their quarantine period last weekend. All the players returned after the 14th edition of the cash-rich league was postponed due Covid-19 cases in the team bio-bubble.
England squad for New Zealand Tests: Joe Root (captain), James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood
England will face India in a 5-Test series starting August 4.
