ENG vs NZ 2026: England lose Jamie Smith ahead of second Test as uncapped replacement gets the call

England will probably be with out wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith for the second Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand at The Oval after he left the squad for the start of his daughter. Smith’s second little one was born on June 16, only a day earlier than the match started, and James Rew has been known as up as his alternative.

Rew will preserve wicket and bat at No. 7, changing into considered one of three England gamers set to make their Take a look at debuts. He joins batter Jordan Cox and quick bowler Sonny Baker in a considerably reshaped aspect. It’s the first time since England’s Take a look at in opposition to South Africa at The Oval in 2017 that the staff has fielded three debutants in the identical XI.

The adjustments type a part of a wider overhaul following England’s 115-run victory within the opening Take a look at at Lord’s. In whole, England have made 5 adjustments to the aspect. Joe Root has been appointed interim captain for the match, taking cost within the absence of normal skipper Ben Stokes. Though Harry Brook is England’s official vice-captain, the selectors have opted for Root’s expertise to guide the staff.

England may also be with out Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson. Jofra Archer returns to the Take a look at aspect after efficiently managing his workload throughout and after his Indian Premier League marketing campaign. His comeback supplies a serious enhance to England’s tempo assault.

The match comes amid stories that Stokes and Atkinson had been stood down following an incident that allegedly concerned an altercation with a Saracens rugby participant. Stories recommend that an ECB assist workers member required medical consideration.

For New Zealand, Henry Nicholls replaces Kane Williamson after the previous captain’s shock retirement from worldwide cricket. Opener Devon Conway, who briefly returned dwelling for the start of his little one following the defeat at Lord’s, has rejoined the squad and can play within the second Take a look at.

England XI for Second Take a look at vs New Zealand:

Emilio Homosexual, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, James Rew (WK), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Matt Fisher, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker

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