England announce 13-player squad for first two New Zealand Tests, James Anderson, Stuart Broad return

Veteran pacers James Anderson and Stuart Broad are back in the fold as England have named a strong 13-player squad for the first two Tests against New Zealand, which gets underway on June 2 at the iconic Lord’s London. Many eyes will be on this series and it will mark the start of a new era for England’s Test team. Veteran all-rounder Ben Stokes will lead the team as Joe Root stepped down from the role amid the national team’s horror run.

Moreover, this will also be Brendon McCullum’s first assignment as England’s Test head coach and many eyes will be on him. Meanwhile, the selectors have made several notable inclusions with Yorkshire batter Harry Brook and Durham pacer Matthew Potts earning maiden Test call-ups. Brook, who made his T20I debut earlier this year, has been sensational in the ongoing County Championship.

With a blend of youth and experience, we have selected an exciting squad: Rob Key

At the same time, Potts has been the season’s leading bowler, with 35 scalps and four five-wicket hauls in Division Two. While Saqib Mahmood, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood are left out due to injury issues, the likes of Matthew Fisher, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Parkinson and Ollie Robinson have been dropped.

“This is the start of a new era for our Test team under the stewardship of Ben (Stokes) and Brendon (McCullum),” said Managing Director for England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key in an official statement.

“With a blend of youth and experience, we have selected an exciting squad that can compete with New Zealand in next month’s Test series. We have rewarded players in Harry Brook and Matty Potts who have had outstanding starts to the County season, and they deserve the opportunity to stake a claim at this level,” he added.

England squad for the first two Tests vs New Zealand: Ben Stokes (C), Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts.