Jacob Bethell earns maiden Test call-up as England announce squad for New Zealand series

England have named a 16-member squad for the three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting November 28 in Christchurch. Jacob Bethell, who made his ODI and T20I debuts earlier in the year, has been called up for the series, having played 20 first-class matches in his career with 738 runs and seven wickets to his name.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Ollie Pope has retained his place. He scored only 55 runs in the three-match series against Pakistan and there were question marks over his spot. However, the team management backed the youngster. With Bethell added to the squad, there will be pressure on Pope to perform.

Bethell’s inclusion also indicates that the team has moved on from Jonny Bairstow. The flamboyant batter has not featured in the Test team since his 100th Test against India in Dharamshala earlier this year and continues to remain out of the scheme of things.

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Interestingly, England have named three spinners in Jack Leach, Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed despite the surfaces in New Zealand not being known to assist spinners. Meanwhile, veteran all-rounder Chris Woakes, who has been an average performer in overseas conditions, has also been included. Matthew Potts, Olly Stone, Gus Atkinson and Bryson Carse are the pacers.

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The focus will be on the batting unit ,though after they flopped in Pakistan. Captain Ben Stokes will be under pressure to bounce back as he is going through a rough patch. Joe Root and Harry Brook had a great time against Pakistan in the first Test in Multan but even they failed as the series moved ahead.

England squad for New Zealand Tests

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