Cricket-Bashir, Robinson recalled to England squad for first test v New Zealand

* Ollie Robinson makes his return to the test squad for the first time since February 2024 ⁠while ​spinner Rehan Ahmed ⁠has been dropped. * Two uncapped players, top-order batsman Emilio Gay and ⁠fast bowler Sonny Baker, were included.

England announced their 12-player ​squad for the first ​test against New ‌Zealand, which ​begins at Lord's on Thursday. Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib ‌Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue.

* Shoaib Bashir ‌has been picked as first-choice spinner despite not featuring ‌in the entire Ashes series. * Ollie Robinson makes his return to the test squad for the first time since February 2024 ⁠while ​spinner Rehan Ahmed ⁠has been dropped.

* Two uncapped players, top-order batsman Emilio Gay and ⁠fast bowler Sonny Baker, were included. * Zak Crawley has ​been dropped following his poor performance during the Ashes ⁠while fast bowler Jofra Archer has been left out after featuring ⁠in ​the recent Indian Premier League.

* England are playing their first test series since losing the Ashes ⁠4-1 to Australia. * England are playing a three-test series against New ⁠Zealand ⁠with matches at The Oval and Trent Bridge to follow later this month.