England pick two debutants for Oval Test against New Zealand
What's the story
England have announced their Playing XI for the 2nd Test against New Zealand at The Oval, starting June 17. Wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox and speedster Sonny Baker will be making their debuts in the match. The hosts have made four changes to the side that won by 115 runs at Lord's. As reported earlier, Joe Root will lead in place of Ben Stokes, who is set to miss the match following the nightclub row.
Player returns
Archer, Fisher included in pace attack
Jofra Archer, who last played Test cricket in December, is back in the squad. Matt Fisher will make his second Test appearance after debuting in Barbados in 2022. Cox's long-awaited chance comes after injury issues had earlier denied him a maiden Test cap. He recently played for England Lions and was in decent form during the Vitality Blast.
Team changes
Robinson misses out due to injury
Ollie Robinson, who made a stunning return to Test cricket with a seven-wicket haul in the first match, misses out due to injury. His place is taken by Archer in a pace-heavy attack with Fisher, Josh Tongue, and debutant Baker. Baker's inclusion comes after a difficult debut year in white-ball cricket. He has taken 22 wickets in six County Championship games at 24.86 this season.
Captaincy
Root as stand-in captain
Root has been named interim captain in Stokes's absence, with Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Emilio Gay, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith also part of the XI. Along with Stokes, Gus Atkinson will also miss the Oval Test after the nightclub incident, which has prompted an investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Neither Stokes nor Atkinson is expected to play in the remaining matches of the series.
Information
England's Playing XI for 2nd Test
Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Jamie Smith, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Matt Fisher, and Josh Tongue.