NZ vs ENG: Ben Stokes to lead as England name 16-man squad for 3-match test tour of New Zealand

The NZ vs ENG test series will begin on November 28.

Currently placed sixth in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings, England are out of contention for the tournament’s final. The series, however, holds vital importance for New Zealand who are currently fourth in the table and can still qualify for the WTC final next year.

England will come into the series on the back of a roller-coaster tour of Pakistan. After a record-breaking batting display in the first test, the English batting lineup faltered against the spin duo of Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, eventually losing the three-match series 2-1.

England’s vulnerability against spin wasn’t exposed for the first time this year; the “Bazballers” faced a similar challenge earlier in the year during their tour of India.

Hoping to turn around their fortunes, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-match test series against New Zealand.

NZ vs ENG: England test squad for New Zealand tour

England have included Jacob Bethell in their test squad. Bethell will join young talents Rehan Ahmed and Jordan Cox. Cox will replace Jamie Smith as the wicket-keeper of the side, who misses out due to family commitments.

England test squad: Ben Stokes (c), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox (WK), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

NZ vs ENG: Fixtures

1st Test: New Zealand v England, 28 November-2 December 2024, Hagley Oval, Christchurch

2nd Test: New Zealand v England, 6-10 December 2024, Basin Reserve, Wellington

3rd Test: New Zealand v England, 14-18 December 2024, Seddon Park, Hamilton

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