The England and Wales Cricket Board on Tuesday announced the squad for the upcoming Test tour of New Zealand. All-rounder Jacob Bethell, who has played seven white-ball games, has been handed his maiden Test call-up. Jamie Smith misses out as England have made only one change to their squad that is facing Pakistan at the latter’s home.
The ECB confirmed Smith misses out as he goes on paternity leave with Jordan Cox set to make his Test debut. “Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith will miss the tour as he takes paternity leave for the birth of his first child, with Cox in line to take on wicketkeeping duties and the opportunity of winning his first Test cap,” ECB said in a statement.
“The squad includes one change from the recent series in Pakistan, with Warwickshire’s batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell called up for his first inclusion in a Test squad. The 21-year-old, an attacking left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, made his England white-ball debut this summer in both IT20 and ODI formats against Australia. Bethell is currently with the England white-ball squad in the Caribbean and, along with Rehan Ahmed and Jordan Cox, will join the Test team following their commitments against the West Indies,” the statement added.
Bethell has played seven white-ball games – five ODIs and two T20Is – all against Australia. The left-arm spinner has four wickets in the 50-over format, while he was wicketless in the two T20Is. With the bat, the Southpaw has scored 85 and 46 in ODIs and T20Is, respectively.
The Test series between England and New Zealand is set to commence from November 28 in Christchurch. The second game will take place in Wellington from December 6 onwards with the series finale in Hamilton from December 14 onwards.
England squad for the Test series against New Zealand:
Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Bryson Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes