James Anderson and Stuart
Broad are back in England’s Test squad for the home Test series against New
Zealand. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday named a
13-member squad for the first two Tests of a three-match series.

Anderson and Broad were
dropped from the England squad for the tour of the West Indies after their
disappointing performance against Australia in the Ashes. England lost the
series 4-0. Anderson is a veteran of 169 Tests and took 640 wickets, while Broad
took 537 in 152 Tests.

The New Zealand series will also be Ben
Stokes’ first series as a skipper. The series will also mark the beginning of
England’s journey under their newly appointed coach Brendon McCullum. Yorkshire
batter Harry Brook and Durham seamer Matthew Potts have got their maiden
call-ups for England.

“This is the start of a
new era for our Test team under the stewardship of Ben and Brendon. With a
blend of youth and experience, we have selected an exciting squad that can
compete with New Zealand in next month’s Test series,” the England men’s
team managing director Rob Key was quoted as saying.

“We have rewarded
players in Harry Brook and Matty Potts who have had outstanding starts to the
County season, and they deserve the opportunity to stake a claim at this
level,” he said.

“It promises to be a
mouthwatering series, and I can’t wait for the team to start against a very
good New Zealand side. It is a fascinating prospect for everyone connected with
the sport in this country,” Key said.

The players will assemble
for training next week before reporting to London on 29 May ahead of the first
Test on June 2.

England squad for the New
Zealand Test series: Ben Stokes (C), Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow,
Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees,
Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts