England keep options open as uncapped trio called up and Ollie Robinson recalled to squad for first Test

Uncapped trio Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker have been called up to the England squad for the first Test against New Zealand cricket at Lord’s.

Gay has been in good form for Durham with three first-class centuries already this season and appears the favourite to partner Ben Duckett at the top of the order with Zak Crawley left out, though wicketkeeper-batter Rew opened for Somerset in their last County Championship game.

A desire for greater new-ball bowling options is reflected with a recall for Sussex’s Ollie Robinson after more than two years out of the side, with Matthew Fisher of Surrey also called up alongside young Hampshire quick Baker.

Ollie Robinson has been recalled for the first time since the 2024 tour to India (Getty)

There is no place for Jofra Archer – who is playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and will miss the first Test at least – or the injured Brydon Carse, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir, back bowling well for Derbyshire, appear set to vie for a spot as a specialist spinner.

Ben Stokes captains a 15-man squad that will assemble ahead of the start of the men’s international summer on 4 June. He, Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root and Harry Brook will likely comprise five of the top six.

Jamie Smith appears likely to retain his role as first-choice wicketkeeper having been in excellent touch for Surrey, with the versatile Rew offering cover.

Young Hampshire quick Sonny Baker has earned his first Test call-up (PA Wire)

Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue join Robinson, Fisher and Baker as seam options within a squad picked by Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum, new selector Marcus North and Rob Key, the ECB’s managing director of men’s cricket.

“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,” Key said.

“Emilio, James and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent, but with the way they’ve gone about their cricket in high-pressure situations.

“It’s also great to welcome back players like Rehan, Matt and Ollie, who all bring different qualities and experience to the group. Competition for places remains incredibly strong and that’s exactly where we want to be as a Test team.

North, the former Australia batter, has been appointed as England’s new selector, leaving his role as director of cricket at Durham to succeed Luke Wright in the role.

The 46-year-old represented six counties during his playing career and has since worked closely with Stokes at Chester-le-Street and Brook with the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred.

Former Australia batter Marcus North is England’s new selector (Getty)

“Having spent the past several years working closely within the county game, I have seen first-hand the strength and depth of talent across the domestic system,” North said. “I’m looking forward to working closely with the counties in identifying, supporting and selecting players who can thrive at International level.

“The opportunity to help shape the future of England men’s teams is one I’m incredibly passionate about. I’m excited to get started working closely with Rob, Brendon, Ben, Harry and the wider performance team in building squads that can compete consistently and successfully across all formats.”