Emilio Gay has been handed his first England Test call-up after being named in a 15-player squad for the opening match against New Zealand at Lord's on June 4. Zak Crawley was left out, while Ollie Robinson returned to the group for the first time since February 2024, when he last played against India.

Gay, who has scored 552 runs at an average of 92 for Durham this season, is one of three uncapped players in the squad, along with Sonny Baker and James Rew. His selection comes after a strong run in county cricket, and after having represented Italy in three IT20 internationals.

England will gather for a training camp at Loughborough from May 24 before turning to the three-Test series against New Zealand, their next red-ball assignment after a 4-1 away defeat to Australia in The Ashes. Ben Stokes has been named captain, and the squad also includes Rehan Ahmed and Matt Potts, with 20-time Test-capped Robinson back in the mix.

Rob Key, England men's national selector, described the group as a “really exciting blend of proven international quality, strong county form and players with huge potential to develop at Test level.” He said Gay, Rew and Baker had earned their chances through consistent performances and had impressed in high-pressure situations, while also welcoming back players such as Rehan, Matt and Robinson for the different qualities they add to the squad.

Jofra Archer will miss the first Test because of Indian Premier League commitments, with Key saying England want to build him back up for red-ball cricket after a long spell on the road. The omission leaves England balancing immediate selection needs with the longer task of managing fast bowlers through a packed year, and it gives Gay, Baker and Rew a first chance to show they belong at Test level.