Emilio Gay Named in England's 15-Man Squad for New Zealand

Emilio Gay is in England's 15-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's on 4 June, giving the uncapped Durham batter a route into the Test picture after a season built on runs. He is one of three uncapped players in the group, and the selection also brings Ollie Robinson back after a two-year absence.

England's Lord's squad

Gay's call-up sits alongside James Rew and Sonny Baker, who were also named in the squad. Ben Duckett kept his place, while Zak Crawley was dropped after early-season struggles with Kent. Matthew Fisher also retained his spot, but Matthew Potts missed out despite playing in Sydney.

Robinson's return adds experience to a squad that is being shaped by county form and recent performances. England said after the Ashes that they would pay more attention to county form, and the new selection follows that line with three players promoted on domestic output rather than reputation alone.

Gay, Rew and Baker

Gay has been batting at No 3 in Division Two this season and was averaging 92 under Marcus North at Durham. Rew arrived with 12 centuries for Somerset, while Baker had taken 14 wickets at 26.21 for Hampshire. Those numbers explain why England moved three uncapped players into a 15-man group for the opening Test.

Rob Key said: "Emilio, James and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent, but in high-pressure situations."

That leaves the squad with a clear balance point before Lord's. England kept Duckett and Fisher, restored Robinson, and made room for three newcomers at the top end of the order and in the attack, with the Test against New Zealand set to start on 4 June.