Emilio Gay & Sonny Baker Earn Maiden England Call-Ups for Lord’s Test

England have named a 12-man squad for the first home Test of the summer against New Zealand at Lord’s, starting Thursday, with uncapped duo Emilio Gay and Sonny Baker included and in line for potential debuts at the iconic venue.

The squad was trimmed from the previously announced 15-member group, with James Rew, Rehan Ahmed, and Matthew Fisher omitted.

Two Uncapped Players in the Frame

Emilio Gay – The Durham top-order batter comes into the picture after England opted to drop opener Zak Crawley following a poor Ashes series. He could make his Test debut at Lord’s.

Sonny Baker – The Hampshire pacer has drawn high praise from head coach Brendon McCullum, who said: “Sonny Baker is quick. I think he’s going to be a cricketer the country really gets behind when he does play. He charges in and he leaves everything out there. He’s full of noise. He’s exciting. He swings the ball both ways and he’s obviously got the ability to touch 90mph.”

Ben Stokes will captain the side, with a tactical batting order shift: Jamie Smith moves up to No. 6, while Stokes drops to No. 7. McCullum explained it gives Smith “more time with the out-and-out batters,” while Stokes has “got so much experience batting with the tail.”

Shoaib Bashir returns to the XI for the first time since breaking a finger at Lord’s last July. McCullum expects him to play a holding role early in the game before shifting to attack if spin becomes more prevalent.

Ollie Robinson retains his place in the 12, playing his first Test since February 2024, with Jofra Archer unavailable due to IPL commitments and Brydon Carse recovering from a wrist injury.

McCullum left his final XI decision dependent on weather conditions, with showers forecast throughout the Test.

England Squad-

Ben Stokes (C), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue

                                               

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