England interim captain Joe Root will lead a heavily revised lineup in the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, starting Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The changes follow an investigation into a nightclub incident involving regular captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson.
Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker will make their Test debuts, while Jofra Archer returns to the squad. Spinner Shoaib Bashir is omitted for an all-pace attack.
Debutants and Changes
Essex batter Jordan Cox slots in at number seven for Stokes, following his recent 204 runs from 201 balls against Leicestershire in the County Championship.
Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker earns his maiden Test call-up after 22 wickets in six County Championship matches this season.
Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith remains in the XI, but Somerset's James Rew is on standby as Smith's partner is expected to give birth soon.
Pacer Matthew Fisher makes his second Test appearance after debuting in 2022.
McCullum on New Faces
Coach Brendon McCullum explained that Cox was preferred for his middle-order qualities.
"I think the country is going to be behind him because he plays games a little bit like Mark Wood," said McCullum, referencing Baker's high-speed bowling style.
"He's got good air speed, he swings the ball, he's got great skills, but he charges in and he's got wild celebrations," McCullum added.
"I look at that line-up we have this week and it's super exciting. It doesn't guarantee us success but it's a first real test of where we're at."
The leadership role fell to Root after discussions with vice-captain Harry Brook.
"It became pretty obvious that after talking to both Joe and Harry, that Joe was the right person to do it," said McCullum.
"He's actually excited, because while he gave it everything he could last time around, he feels he's in a much better place now."
McCullum noted that Brook will assist Root tactically.
"He made mention to me that he feels Harry Brook's got arguably one of the best tactical brains that he's seen, so he'll be leaning heavily on Harry."
England won the opening match at Lord's, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The squad completed their first training session on Sunday with a calm atmosphere.
"Joe spoke brilliantly as well. We know how calm a personality he is," McCullum said.
The match is part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.
England's official lineup: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wk), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker.
