Buttler, Bairstow Rested As England Announce 15-Man Squad For New Zealand Tests

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), on Tuesday announced a 15-member squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand starting at Lord’s on June 2.

Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes, who were part of the pandemic affected IPL 2021 are rested and have not been included in the squad. Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were also not considered for selection as both of them are suffering from injuries.

“The summer of Test cricket will be fascinating. Playing the top two teams in the world, in New Zealand and India, is perfect preparation for us as we continue to improve and progress towards an Ashes series in Australia at the back end of the year,” said Silverwood in an official statement.

“With several players not available through injury or being rested for the New Zealand series, it is an opportunity for us to reward those who have been on the fringes of England squads over the past 12 months,” he added.

Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson have been called up to the Test squad for the first time. Both have been in impressive form during the early stages of the County Championship. Bracey has scored 478 Championship runs so far in this campaign at an average of 53, while Robinson has taken 29 wickets at an average of 14.

Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton has also been recalled who last featured for England in a Test match in September 2019 against Australia at Emirates Old Trafford.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 James Bracey and Ollie Robinson get their maiden Test call-ups as England name a 15-man squad for their two-Test series against New Zealand, beginning 2 June.#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/2Ffx01TFmq

— ICC (@ICC) May 18, 2021

“James Bracey and Ollie Robinson deserve their call ups to the Test squad. They have been consistent performers in the County Championship this season and over the past 18 months, have excelled for the Lions on the field and in the various camps they have been involved in,” said Silverwood.

“Having spent all winter and last summer in the company of our established Test players, they have immersed themselves in preparing and understanding what it takes to play at this level. The environment and culture will be something they are used to, and should they be in a position to make their Test debuts, they will be ready to showcase their skills,” he added.

England Squad

Joe Root (capt), 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