Emilio Gay expected to join side after Crawley’s dropout ahead of England vs New Zealand Test series

LONDON: England have dropped opener Zak Crawley and are expected to hand a place to Emilio Gay as Ben Duckett’s opening partner for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand national cricket team, marking the beginning of a rebuilding phase after the team’s disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia.

Durham batter Gay earned his call-up after an impressive County Championship season in which he scored three centuries. Uncapped fast bowler Sonny Baker and wicketkeeper-batter James Rew were also included in the squad, while seamer Ollie Robinson returned to the Test setup after a two-year absence.

England will host New Zealand for a three-match Test series in June before facing India in a white-ball series followed by three Tests against Pakistan later in the summer.

Former vice-captain Ollie Pope, who was dropped during the Ashes, was not recalled, while Crawley missed out after struggling for form in the ongoing County Championship season.

Fast bowler Gus Atkinson was included despite suffering two blows to the helmet while batting for Surrey against Nottinghamshire earlier this week.

England are also without pace bowler Jofra Archer, who is currently playing in the IPL, opening the door for Baker’s inclusion. Seamer Matthew Fisher retained his place after being part of the Ashes squad.

The squad signals a fresh direction under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum as England prepare for a packed home season beginning at Lord’s on June 4.

England men’s managing director Rob Key praised Robinson’s return, saying the pacer had the potential to lead England’s bowling attack.

 “When he’s fit and bowling at around 82 or 83 miles per hour, he is world-class,” Key said. “Statistically, his record stands among the best bowlers in the world.”

Key also hinted that captain Stokes could take the new ball more often in the upcoming series as England look to manage their bowling resources differently following the Ashes defeat.

England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.