England leave out Crawley, Pope for Lord's season opener

England have dropped Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope for the opening Test of the home summer against New Zealand at Lord's, as selectors ushered in a fresh-looking squad featuring three uncapped players.

Durham batter Emilio Gay, Hampshire quick Sonny Baker and Somerset keeper-bat James Rew earned maiden Test call-ups in the 15-man squad announced on Wednesday for the first Test starting June 4. Rehan Ahmed, Matthew Fisher and Ollie Robinson also returned to the Test fold.

The omission of Crawley and Pope marks a significant reset at the top order after a forgettable Ashes series. Crawley aggregated 273 runs at 27 while Pope made only 125 runs from three Tests before being left out for the final two games. England have instead rewarded strong County Championship performances. Gay, 26, has scored 552 runs at an average of 92 for Durham, including three centuries.

Rew, 22, has compiled 12 first-class centuries — the most by any player aged 22 or younger in County Championship history — and has impressed for Somerset and England Lions.

Baker's inclusion underlines England's continued investment in raw pace. The Hampshire seamer has taken 14 wickets in this season's Championship and is regarded as one of the quickest young bowlers in county cricket.

England have also recalled Rehan Ahmed, currently with Delhi Capitals in the IPL. Despite playing 10 Tests, all of his appearances have come overseas. Jacob Bethell, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will join the squad after his IPL commitment.

Robinson returns after last playing Test cricket in February 2024, while Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher is back following a strong county run.

England managing director Rob Key said the squad reflected a blend of "proven international quality, strong county form and players with huge potential to develop at Test level."

Key also confirmed Jofra Archer would miss the opening Test as England manage his return to red-ball cricket.

England squad for 1st Test: Ben Stokes (c), 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.

Marcus North named Men's National Selector

The ECB confirmed the appointment of former Australia batter Marcus North as England Men's National Selector. North joins from Durham, where he served as Director of Cricket since 2018.

"Marcus stood out through his knowledge of the domestic game, his experience across different environments and the relationships he has built throughout county cricket," Key said.