ENG vs NZ: Baker and Robinson in Contention for Lord’s Showdown

Uncapped James Rew and Sonny Baker have been named in England’s 12-man squad, which was announced on Tuesday for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. Ollie Robinson is also in contention to play his first Test since February 2024.

Initially, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced a 15-member squad, which was trimmed to 12 ahead of the Test match. Among those to miss the cut are wicketkeeper-batter James Rew, all-rounder Rehan Ahmed and seamer Matthew Fisher.

Baker has been picked ahead of Fisher, with head coach Brendon McCullum impressed by the former’s pace and attitude.
“Sonny Baker is quick,” McCullum told reporters in London. “I think he’s going to be a cricketer the country really gets behind when he does play. He charges in and leaves everything out there. He’s full of energy. He’s exciting. He swings the ball both ways and has the ability to touch 90mph. He’s an exciting proposition and, if it’s not in this Test, his time will come. If it is in this Test, I’d expect him to do a good job.”

Meanwhile, Emilio Gay is all set to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett. Shoaib Bashir has also been included in the squad for the Lord’s Test, along with Josh Tongue. The bowling attack is likely to be led by Gus Atkinson, who has a stellar record at Lord’s.

McCullum also confirmed that captain Ben Stokes will bat at No. 7, while Jamie Smith will be promoted to No. 6 ahead of him.

England squad for the Lord’s Test: Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue.

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