Jacob Bethell has been named in England’s 15-man squad for the Rothesay first Test match against New Zealand this summer.
Bethell returns to the squad having impressed across the final two test matches of the 2025/26 Ashes.
The 22-year-old recorded his maiden test and first class century in the fifth and final test of the series at Sydney Cricket Ground, scoring 154.
Bethell will be looking to build on the exceptional start he has made to his international career, where he has recorded hundreds in both test and One Day International cricket, while captaining England’s T20 team.
Joining Bethell in the squad is Birmingham Phoenix player Rehan Ahmed, who returns looking to add to his five Test match appearances to date.
Ahmed became England’s youngest test debutant in 2022 when he played against Pakistan at the age of 18 years and 126 days.
The duo join the 15-strong squad that includes three uncapped players at Test level – Durham top-order batter Emilio Gay, Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker and Somerset wicketkeeper-batter James Rew. Surrey seamer Matthew Fisher and Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson return to the Test squad.
The squad will report for a training camp at Loughborough in the week commencing Monday 25 May. Bethell and Ahmed, who are currently playing in the Indian Premier League, will return to England once their commitments with Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have concluded.
England Men’s Managing Director, Rob Key, said: “We’ve selected a squad that we believe has a really exciting blend of proven international quality, strong county form and players with huge potential to develop at Test level.
“Emilio, James and Sonny have all earned their opportunities through consistent performances and have impressed us not only with their talent, but with the way they’ve gone about their cricket in high-pressure situations.
“It’s also great to welcome back players like Rehan, Matt and Ollie, who all bring different qualities and experience to the group. Competition for places remains incredibly strong and that’s exactly where we want to be as a Test team.
“Jofra Archer is unavailable for the first Test. He continues to play in the IPL, and it is about building him up for red-ball cricket after a long six months on the road.”
England Men’s Test Squad (15-players):
Ben Stokes (Durham) – Captain
Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
Gus Atkinson (Surrey
Sonny Baker (Hampshire)
Shoaib Bashir (Derbyshire)
Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire)
Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
Matthew Fisher (Surrey)
Emilio Gay (Durham)
James Rew (Somerset)
Ollie Robinson (Sussex)
Joe Root (Yorkshire)
Jamie Smith (Surrey)
Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire)