At a glance
- England Recall Ollie Robinson for Test Squad
- Emilio Gay James Rew and Sonny Baker earn first call-ups
- Zak Crawley dropped after difficult Ashes series
England have recalled Ollie Robinson for the first time in more than two years while handing maiden Test call-ups to Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker ahead of next month’s series opener against New Zealand at Lord’s.
The squad announcement marks the beginning of a new era for England following a bruising Ashes defeat in Australia with selectors moving quickly to reshape both the batting and bowling groups before the home summer begins on 4 June.
Robinson’s return is among the biggest talking points after the Sussex fast bowler was brought back from international exile to help lead England’s evolving seam attack following the retirements of Stuart Broad James Anderson and Chris Woakes.
Ollie Robinson Earns England Recall After Two-Year Absence
The 32-year-old last featured during England’s tour of India in 2024 before being dropped amid concerns surrounding injuries fitness and consistency.
Despite his absence few have questioned Robinson’s quality with the seamer claiming 76 wickets at an average below 23 across his 20 Test appearances.
England management are understood to have reconnected with Robinson at the beginning of the county season and his response has been emphatic. As Sussex captain he has guided the side to three wins from five matches while also taking 17 wickets and scoring a century against Surrey.
Robinson’s comeback now offers England a proven operator capable of providing both aggression and control with the new ball.
Read More: Sonny Baker Signs New Hampshire Deal Until 2028 Amid England Test Ambitions
Zak Crawley Dropped After Ashes Struggles
England selectors dropped Zak Crawley after his disappointing Ashes campaign ended in a 4-1 series defeat in Australia.
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have now left Crawley out for the first time since taking charge of the Test side in 2022.
The opener’s removal had appeared increasingly inevitable after continued inconsistency at the top of the order. Crawley has now batted 104 times in Test cricket while averaging 30.52.
Durham batter Emilio Gay appears the leading candidate to replace him alongside Ben Duckett at Lord’s.
Emilio Gay and James Rew Add Fresh Energy
Gay’s selection follows an outstanding start to the County Championship season in which he struck three centuries for Durham.
The 26-year-old left-hander could become a dual international if selected after previously representing Italy in T20 cricket. He has also reportedly rejected interest from the West Indies.
Meanwhile Somerset batter James Rew has accelerated his rise by scoring 12 first-class centuries before the age of 23, earning his first England Test call-up in the process.
Although primarily viewed as a middle-order batter England recently asked Rew to open for Somerset as selectors explored his versatility ahead of potential international opportunities.
With Joe Root Harry Brook Jacob Bethell Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith already established in the middle order Rew may initially have to wait for an opportunity in the playing XI.
Also Read: The Top 5 Greatest England Women Cricketers of All Time
Sonny Baker Included After Strong Hampshire Form
Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker also earns a first Test call-up after an eye-catching start to the domestic campaign.
The 23-year-old has impressed with his pace and attacking style despite difficult introductions to international cricket in white-ball matches last year.
Baker joins a pace-bowling group containing Robinson Gus Atkinson Josh Tongue and Matthew Fisher as England continue rebuilding their seam resources.
Tongue strengthened his case during the Ashes while Atkinson retains his place despite suffering concussion during Surrey’s County Championship fixture against Nottinghamshire.
Surrey seamer Fisher could also add to the single Test appearance he made against West Indies in 2022.
England Begin New Chapter After Ashes Review
England’s squad overhaul follows a post-Ashes review led by director of cricket Rob Key alongside captain Stokes and head coach McCullum.
Despite criticism after the tour all three retained their positions and have now begun reshaping the squad ahead of a crucial home summer.
England have also confirmed the appointment of former Australia international Marcus North as the new national selector. The Durham director of cricket replaces Luke Wright and becomes the first overseas figure to lead England’s selection panel.
The squad will gather for a training camp in Loughborough on 22 May before the opening Test against New Zealand begins at Lord’s on 4 June.
England Squad for First Test Against New Zealand
Ben Stokes, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.
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