England announces squad for New Zealand Test series; James Anderson and Stuart Broad makes a comeback
The England Test team has gone through a tough period in the last year or so. That is the reason it led to a very big turnaround in the management and captaincy as well. But now, the English team will begin their new journey under the leadership of star all-rounder, Ben Stokes, and the coaching of Brendon McCullum, who has been appointed as the Test coach.
The first assignment for the English team will be a three-match home red-ball series against New Zealand. This first match will be played from June 2 to 6 at Lord's cricket ground. On Wednesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the 13-member squad for the first two matches.
Interestingly, both veteran pacers, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who were not part of the West Indies tour, are back with the team. The management has shown faith in the two best performers for them and selected them for the series.
Our 13-strong squad to take on New Zealand 🏏
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 18, 2022
More here: https://t.co/dpSFgZSywy
🏴 #ENGvNZ 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/nE7UObrrEa
Both pacers played together in the Ashes in Australia. It was a big decision to drop them for the West Indies tour, which didn't go well for the team as England lost the series 1-0. However, the return was expected after Stokes took charge of the captaincy. As the new skipper has always backed them.
James Anderson is the third highest wicket-taker ever in red-ball cricket, with 640 wickets so far in his career. On the other hand, Stuart Broad is in sixth place with 537 career wickets.
The ECB has given two new faces a chance based on their performance in the ongoing County Championship 2022. Harry Brook and Matthew Potts are all set to make their debuts. Brook has been exceptional with his bat in hand. He has scored 758 runs at an incredible average of 151.60 with three centuries and four half-centuries for White Rose County.
Pacer Potts, on the other hand, is representing Durham and has taken the most wickets so far. He has taken a total of 35 wickets, including four five-wicket hauls.
England Test Squad for the First Two Tests: Ben Stokes (C), Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Zak Crawley, Stuart Broad, Ben Foakes (wk), Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Matthew Potts, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook.