LONDON: England have dropped struggling opener Zak Crawley from their squad for next month’s first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s as they begin rebuilding following a dismal 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia.

Durham batsman Emilio Gay, one of three uncapped players named in the 15-man squad alongside Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicket-keeper-batsman James Rew, is poised to replace Crawley at the top of the order.

Paceman Ollie Robinson has also returned after more than two years out of the side, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been recalled.

Crawley scored only 273 runs in 10 innings at an average of 27.30 during England’s disappointing 2025-26 Ashes campaign and has continued to struggle for form with Kent this season.

It is the first time since captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum took charge of the Test side in 2022 that Crawley has been omitted from a squad while available for selection.

England could hand debuts to as many as three players in the opening Test of the three-match series starting at Lord’s on June 4.

The recall of Robinson is also significant, with England searching for a reliable new-ball spearhead following the retirements of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes.

Despite concerns over fitness and attitude, the Sussex fast bowler boasts an impressive Test record of 76 wickets at an average of 22.92 in 20 matches. He last played for England in February 2024.

Gay, 26, has enjoyed a prolific county season for Durham, scoring 522 runs, including three centuries, at an average of 92.

Rew, 22, is expected to provide batting cover and serve as back-up wicket-keeper to Jamie Smith.

Ahmed, who became England’s youngest men’s Test cricketer in Pakistan in 2022 aged 18, joins Shoaib Bashir as the two specialist spinners in the squad.

All-rounder Will Jacks and batsman Ollie Pope, who lost his place during the Ashes after a string of low scores, have both been dropped.

England managing director Rob Key described the squad as an “exciting blend” of proven international performers and players rewarded for strong county form.

“Emilio, James and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent, but with the way they’ve gone about their cricket in high-pressure situations,” said former England batsman Key.

“It’s also great to welcome back players like Rehan, Matt and Ollie, who all bring different qualities and experience to the group.”

‘Tremendous honour’ for selector north

Meanwhile, former Australia batsman Marcus North said it was “a tremendous honour” to be appointed England’s national selector.

North, currently Durham’s director of cricket, succeeds Luke Wright and will work alongside Stokes, white-ball captain Harry Brook, managing director Key and England performance officials on the selection panel.

The 46-year-old beat competition from former England internationals Steven Finn, Darren Gough and Nick Knight for the role.

“Having spent the past several years working closely within the county game, I have seen first-hand the strength and depth of talent across the domestic system,” said North.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the counties in identifying, supporting and selecting players who can thrive at international level.”

North, who played for Australia and is now set to help shape England’s squad for next year’s Ashes series on home soil, added: “The opportunity to help shape the future of England men’s teams is one I’m incredibly passionate about.”

Key said North’s deep understanding of county cricket and his international experience made him the standout candidate for the post.

Squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew (wicket-keeper), Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Josh Tongue.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2026