Crawley Dropped as England Names NZ Test Squad

Struggling opening batsman Zak Crawley has been removed from England's squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, scheduled for June 4-8. The decision comes after Crawley's poor performance during the 2025/26 Ashes tour of Australia and a difficult start to the season with Kent. Durham's Emilio Gay, a specialist opener, is a strong candidate to replace Crawley. Gay is one of three uncapped players named in the 15-man squad, alongside Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman James Rew.

Paceman Ollie Robinson has been recalled to the squad, returning after a two-year absence from Test cricket. This is the first time since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum assumed leadership of the Test team in 2022 that Crawley has not been included when available. The England and Wales Cricket Board also announced the appointment of former Australia batsman Marcus North as their new national selector, effective immediately.