England has announced a 15-player squad led by Joe Root for the two-match test series against New Zealand that begins next month. The first match of the LV= Insurance Test Series will be played at Lord’s from 2 June while the second test match will be held at Birmingham from 10 June.
Although England is the favorite to win the two-match Test series, the Kiwis will look to beat the homeside to prove that they truly deserve to be the finalists of the inaugural World Test Championship final against India. You can get betting tips and trends on the test matches at onlinecricketbets.in – one of the most complete guides on the subject.
The English selectors have given maiden call ups to James Bracey, a wicketkeeper-batsman from Gloucestershire and Sussex pacer Ollie Robinson.
According to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), James Bracey and Ollie Robinson have shown impressive form during the initial stages of the LV= Insurance County Championship. While James Bracey scored 478 so far at an average of 53.00, Ollie Robinson has taken 29 scalps, averaging just 14.00.
Meanwhile, the English selectors have recalled Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton, whose last test match was against the Aussies in 2019 at Old Trafford. Craig Overton has so far played four test matches.
The ECB said that Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, and Sam Curran have been rested following the completion of their quarantine period having returned home from India where they were part of the suspended Indian Premier League. The players will have some more rest before joining their respective counties shortly, said the ECB.
The selectors did not consider all-rounder Ben Stokes and speedster Jofra Archer due to a fractured finger and right elbow injury, respectively.
Chris Silverwood – England men head coach said: “The summer of Test cricket will be fascinating. Playing the top two teams in the world, in New Zealand and India, is perfect preparation for us as we continue to improve and progress towards an Ashes series in Australia at the back end of the year.
“With several players not available through injury or being rested for the New Zealand series, it is an opportunity for us to reward those who have been on the fringes of England squads over the past 12 months.
“James Bracey and Ollie Robinson deserve their call ups to the Test squad. They have been consistent performers in the County Championship this season and over the past 18 months, have excelled for the Lions on the field and in the various camps they have been involved in.”
England Squad for New Zealand Test Series : Joe Root (Captain), James Bracey, Rory Burns, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Zak Crawley, Stuart Broad, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Ollie Robinson, Olly Stone, Jack Leach, James Anderson, and Mark Wood
Schedule of England vs New Zealand LV= Insurance Test Series 2021
2-6 June 2021: England vs New Zealand 1st Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
10-14 June 2021: England vs New Zealand, 2nd Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham