James named in England Test squad

Somerset ‘keeper/batter, James Rew has been named in the 15-player England squad for the Rothesay first Test against New Zealand.

James has had another impressive start to the season, scoring 392 runs at an average of 43.55.

Since making his Somerset debut in 2021, the 22-year-old has become a regular for England Lions and was called into the England Test squad for last summer’s series against Zimbabwe.

The first Test will take place at Lord’s starting on June 4th.

The squad includes two other uncapped players at Test level – Durham top-order batter Emilio Gay and Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker.

Leicestershire spinner Rehan Ahmed, Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson return to the Test squad.

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)

The squad will report for a training camp at Loughborough in the week commencing May 24th.

Rehan Ahmed and Jacob Bethell, who are currently playing in the Indian Premier League, will return to England once their commitments with Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have concluded.

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 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.

“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.”

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