England Announces XI for First Test Against New Zealand

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced its playing XI ahead of the first Test against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on Thursday in Christchurch. This will be the opening match of the three-match Test series. A significant moment in this match will be the debut of Jacob Bethel, who is set to make his first appearance in the England jersey.

Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England’s batting lineup will feature regular players such as Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, and Zak Crawley. Due to an injury to Jordan Cox, who has been ruled out, the wicketkeeping duties will be handled by Ollie Pope.

For the first Test, England has selected three pacers and two spinners in their squad. The pacers are Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, and Chris Woakes, while the spin attack will be led by Shoaib Bashir and debutant Jacob Bethel.