Robinson and Bracey named in England squad to face Blackcaps
Uncapped duo Ollie Robinson and James Bracey have been named in England’s Test squad to face New Zealand next month, while there is a recall for Craig Overton.
With Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer out injured and five more players rested following theirrecentreturnfromtheIndian Premier League, England were always likely to cast their net wider for the two-match series against the Black Caps.
Thetriohavemadecompelling cases for inclusion in a 15mansquad,thefirstsincehead coach Chris Silverwood took over selection responsibilities from the axed Ed Smith.
Archer’sSussexteam-mate RobinsonandGloucestershire wicketkeeper-batsmanBracey have both spent long periods working directly with the Test squadoverthepastyear,travelling and training with the side as reserves in extended team bubbles at home and abroad.
They have each left a positive impression in terms of ability and attitude and their promotion nudges them one step closer to a Test debut.
Overton won the last of his four Test caps in the 2019 Ashes but has grown in status with Somerset in the intervening period, starring in last year’s Bob Willis Trophy and the ongoing LV= Insurance County Championship.
The 27-year-old has more wickets than any other fast bowler in the competition, claiming 32 at an average of 13.96. Robinson sits second on the list with 29 at 14.72.
With Stokes, Archer, Chris Woakes and Sam Curran amongtheabsentees,theyjoin Mark Wood and Olly Stone in a seam attack led by the evergreen duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Bracey is included primarily as a top-order option, with Dom Sibley only just ready to return from a broken finger, but will also cover gloveman Ben Foakes. He is in line for his first home Test, as is Essex batsman Dan Lawrence.
“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,” said Silverwood.
“James Bracey and Ollie Robinson deserve their callups to the Test squad. Having spent all winter and last summer in the company of our established Test players, they have immersed themselves in preparing and understanding whatittakestoplayatthislevel.
“The environment and culturewillbesomethingtheyare used to, and should they be in a position to make their Test debuts, they will be ready to showcase their skills.
“They are both resilient characters and have demonstrated to me, the captain and coaches that they have the desire, temperament and the ability to continually improve to give themselves every chanceofsucceedingontheinternational stage.
Silverwood also offered an update on the injured parties.
“Jofra is to see a consultant thisweektounderstandtheseverityofhisrightelbowinjury,” he added.
“We need to get this resolved once and for all to give him the best chance of being fully fit for the T20 World Cup and the Ashes.
"Ben Stokes is making excellent progress. If he continues to improve without any impact on his rehabilitation, we could see him return next monthforDurhamintheVitality Blast competition.”