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England have revealed their squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, which is scheduled to start from the 4th of June 2026. The squad features many big names playing in the IPL this season, but Jofra Archer is one of the significant absentees.
The England vs New Zealand Test series has been named the Rothesay series, which will also include many new additions to the English Test side. The squad is likely to report on the 24th of May, which clashes its training with the knockouts of the IPL.
England announce squad for First Test against New Zealand
The England squad includes many new players as well, including the likes of former greats like Ben Stokes and Joe Root. Root will once again be seen chasing the record of the great Sachin Tendulkar, and Stokes will be seen in England colors for the first time since the Ashes.
This would be a golden chance for England to bounce back after several defeats in the season. Starting the first Test from the 4th of June at the iconic venue of Lord's, they would then play their upcoming matches from the 17th and 25th of June, respectively.
England Squad: Ben Stokes (Durham) - Captain, Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Matthew Fisher (Surrey), Emilio Gay (Durham), James Rew (Somerset), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)
"We’ve selected a squad that we believe," said ECB director Rob Key.
The English squad has a very unique blend of cricketers from across several county teams in England. Director Rob Key was also pleased to have picked a squad with such a fine blend of talent as well as experience.
England Men’s Managing Director, Rob Key, said, "We've selected a squad that we believe has a really exciting blend of proven international quality, strong county form, and players with huge potential to develop at Test level."
"Emilio, James, and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent but also with the way they’ve gone about their cricket in high-pressure situations," he added while mentioning the debutant players.
Why is Jofra Archer not part of England's Test squad?
“Jofra Archer is unavailable for the first Test. He continues to play in the IPL, and it is about building him up for red-ball cricket after a long six months on the road.”
