England drop Crawley and hand three players Test debuts for New Zealand Series

England have named a new-look squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4.  

Zak Crawley has been dropped after struggling in both Test cricket and the County Championship.  

Crawley has played 64 Tests but averages only 31 with the bat. Durham opener Emilio Gay will replace Crawley at the top of the order.  

Gay earns his first Test call-up after scoring 552 runs at an average of 92 this season.  

He has also played T20 international cricket for Italy earlier in his career.  

Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker has been included in the squad for the first time.  

Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew also receives his first Test call-up.  

Ollie Robinson returns to the squad for the first time since February 2024. Rehan Ahmed and Matthew Fisher have also been recalled.  

Ollie Pope and Will Jacks have been left out of the squad. Jofra Archer is unavailable because he is playing in the Indian Premier League.  

England say they want to carefully manage Archer’s return to red-ball cricket.  

Managing director Rob Key said the squad has a strong mix of experience and young talent.  

He praised the three new players for their strong form and calm attitude under pressure. Former captain Michael Atherton said Crawley’s recent performances did not justify selection.  

Atherton described Gay’s selection as a practical decision based on current form. The England squad will begin training in Loughborough on May 24.  

The second Test will be played at The Oval on June 17. The third and final Test will take place at Trent Bridge on June 25.