England name Ben Stokes-less XI for 2nd Test after nightclub saga, Jofra Archer returns
ENG vs NZ, 2nd Test: England have named a revamped playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand, with Joe Root continuing as captain in the absence of Ben Stokes, who remains unavailable amid an investigation into a nightclub controversy.
England have unveiled a significantly reshaped playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at The Kennington Oval in London, with Ben Stokes' absence continuing to dominate headlines following the nightclub controversy that emerged after the series opener.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had already ruled Stokes and fellow pacer Gus Atkinson out of selection pending the outcome of an investigation into an alleged breach of team protocol following England's 115-run victory at Lord's. Veteran batter Joe Root will take charge as captain as England aim to clinch the three-match series.
England have made four changes to the side that won at Lord's. Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker are set to make their Test debuts, while Jofra Archer and Matt Fisher return to the setup. Archer's inclusion marks another milestone in his comeback from a string of injury setbacks, with England hoping his pace can add another dimension to their attack.
Fisher, meanwhile, is set to play his first Test since making his debut in the Caribbean in 2022. The Yorkshire seamer comes into the side after Ollie Robinson was ruled out with soreness in his right knee despite claiming seven wickets in the opening Test.
The selection of Baker underlines England's intent to field a pace-heavy attack. The Surrey quick joins Archer, Josh Tongue and Fisher in a four-pronged seam unit, with the hosts opting not to pick a frontline spinner.
For Cox, the call-up is a reward for perseverance. The Kent batter had come close to a Test debut on multiple occasions, only for injuries to derail his progress. He suffered a fractured right thumb in 2024 and an abdominal muscle injury in 2025, setbacks that delayed his international breakthrough.
The second Test gets underway on Wednesday, June 17, with England looking to seal the series and shift the focus back to their performances on the field.
England squad for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue
England have unveiled a significantly reshaped playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at The Kennington Oval in London, with Ben Stokes' absence continuing to dominate headlines following the nightclub controversy that emerged after the series opener.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had already ruled Stokes and fellow pacer Gus Atkinson out of selection pending the outcome of an investigation into an alleged breach of team protocol following England's 115-run victory at Lord's. Veteran batter Joe Root will take charge as captain as England aim to clinch the three-match series.
England have made four changes to the side that won at Lord's. Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker are set to make their Test debuts, while Jofra Archer and Matt Fisher return to the setup. Archer's inclusion marks another milestone in his comeback from a string of injury setbacks, with England hoping his pace can add another dimension to their attack.
Fisher, meanwhile, is set to play his first Test since making his debut in the Caribbean in 2022. The Yorkshire seamer comes into the side after Ollie Robinson was ruled out with soreness in his right knee despite claiming seven wickets in the opening Test.
The selection of Baker underlines England's intent to field a pace-heavy attack. The Surrey quick joins Archer, Josh Tongue and Fisher in a four-pronged seam unit, with the hosts opting not to pick a frontline spinner.
For Cox, the call-up is a reward for perseverance. The Kent batter had come close to a Test debut on multiple occasions, only for injuries to derail his progress. He suffered a fractured right thumb in 2024 and an abdominal muscle injury in 2025, setbacks that delayed his international breakthrough.
The second Test gets underway on Wednesday, June 17, with England looking to seal the series and shift the focus back to their performances on the field.
England squad for 2nd Test vs New Zealand
Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue
