England head coach Chris Silverwood on Tuesday (May 18) picked a 15-man squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, slated to start at Lord's on June 2.
The likes of Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes, who participated in the now-suspended IPL 2021, have been rested after completing a quarantine period following the return from India.
Ace all-rounder Ben Stokes (fractured finger) and speedster Jofra Archer (right elbow) were not considered for selection because of their respective injuries.
"The summer of Test cricket will be fascinating. Playing the top two teams in the world, in New Zealand and India, is perfect preparation for us as we continue to improve and progress towards an Ashes series in Australia at the back end of the year," said Silverwood in an official statement.
"With several players not available through injury or being rested for the New Zealand series, it is an opportunity for us to reward those who have been on the fringes of England squads over the past 12 months," he added.
Gloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson have received their maiden call-up to the Test squad.
Both are familiar with the England set-up, having recently toured Sri Lanka and India with the national team as reserves. They were also part of the extended squads during last summer’s Test series against West Indies and Pakistan.
Somerset all-rounder Craig Overton has also earned a recall to the Test side, having last played for England in the 2019 Ashes at Old Trafford.
"James Bracey and Ollie Robinson deserve their call ups to the Test squad. They have been consistent performers in the County Championship this season and over the past 18 months, have excelled for the Lions on the field and in the various camps they have been involved in," said Silverwood.
"Having spent all winter and last summer in the company of our established Test players, they have immersed themselves in preparing and understanding what it takes to play at this level. The environment and culture will be something they are used to, and should they be in a position to make their Test debuts, they will be ready to showcase their skills," he added.
England Squad:
Joe Root (capt), James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood
Schedule:
1st Test: England v New Zealand, 2-6 June 2021, Lord’s
2nd Test: England v New Zealand, 10-14 June 2021, Edgbaston
