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Cricket
Gay, Rew and Baker called up to England Test squad and Robinson in from cold
TL;DR
Emilio Gay, James Rew, and Sonny Baker have been called up to the England Test squad for the first match against New Zealand. Ollie Robinson returns after a two-year absence, while changes follow the Ashes series.
Key points
- Emilio Gay, James Rew, and Sonny Baker called up to England Test squad
- Ollie Robinson returns after two-year absence
- First Test against New Zealand starts on June 4
- Marcus North appointed as new selector
- Focus on county performance in squad selection
Mentioned in this story
Emilio GayJames RewSonny BakerOllie RobinsonMarcus North
EnglandNew ZealandAshes
Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker are the three uncapped players in a 15-man England squad for the first Test against New Zealand next month. Ollie Robinson returns to the setup after a two-year absence.
As part of the wash-up from the Ashes, England have a new selector in Marcus North – now confirmed – and vowed to pay more attention to county form. Gay, averaging 92 under North at Durham this season, and Rew, 22 years old and having already scored 12 centuries for Somerset, fit the bill in this regard.
Which of the pair makes the final XI for the first Test – which begins at Lord’s on 4 June – remains to be seen with the only obvious vacancy in the top seven at opener. Ben Duckett has kept his place, having rediscovered his form at Nottinghamshire after a poor Ashes tour, but Zak Crawley has been dropped after early-season struggles with Kent. Ollie Pope also misses out, having made way for Jacob Bethell in Australia.
Gay has been batting at No 3 in Division Two this season, but has past experience of the job, while Rew has chiefly been a wicketkeeper-batter in the middle order, making his runs in Division One. Rew opened for the first time in his career last week, against Glamorgan, only to make scores of four and zero.
Baker is competing for the seam-bowling spots in the final XI, with the 22-year-old having taken 14 wickets at 26.21 for Hampshire this season. Brydon Carse is out injured and Jofra Archer will be given time to recalibrate when he returns from the Indian Premier League, meaning the attack will be refreshed.
Rob Key, England men’s team director, said: “Emilio, James and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent, but in high-pressure situations.”
Surrey’s Matthew Fisher, unused during the Ashes after being called up mid-tour, has kept his place in the squad, but Matthew Potts misses out despite playing in Sydney. New ball duties appear likely to go to Robinson and Gus Atkinson unless Ben Stokes decides he wants a change of role with the ball.
Q&A
Who are the new players in the England Test squad for the first Test against New Zealand?
Emilio Gay, James Rew, and Sonny Baker are the three uncapped players included in the squad.
When does the first Test between England and New Zealand start?
The first Test is scheduled to begin on June 4 at Lord's.
Why was Ollie Robinson called back to the England Test squad?
Ollie Robinson returns to the squad after a two-year absence, likely due to his performance and the need for a refreshed bowling attack.
What changes were made to the England Test squad following the Ashes series?
The England Test squad saw the inclusion of new selector Marcus North and a focus on county form, leading to the selection of Gay and Rew.
