England revamps squad for NZ Test with uncapped trio

England has unveiled a revamped 15-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, starting June 4, introducing three uncapped players and dropping opener Zak Crawley following the team's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia last winter.

The selection signals a shift toward rewarding county form after criticism that England overlooked domestic performances during the Ashes. Captain Ben Stokes leads the group, which includes recalls for seamer Ollie Robinson after more than two years out, legspinner Rehan Ahmed, and paceman Matthew Fisher. Durham opener Emilio Gay, averaging 92 in the County Championship with three centuries, is poised to partner Ben Duckett at the top of the order. Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew and Hampshire quick Sonny Baker join as uncapped prospects, bolstering depth amid fast-bowling shortages.

Notable omissions are Crawley, who averaged 19.50 in 10 Championship innings for Kent, and Ollie Pope, who made way late in the Ashes. Jofra Archer remains unavailable due to Indian Premier League commitments, while Brydon Carse and Mark Wood are injured. The pace attack features Gus Atkinson, Robinson, Josh Tongue, Fisher, and Baker, with spinners Rehan...