Essex batsman Jordan Cox and Hampshire paceman Sonny Baker earn England Test caps in the second Test against New Zealand on Wednesday. Surrey’s Matthew Fisher returns for his second appearance after a four‑year gap, while Jofra Archer is recalled for the first time this summer. Coach Brendon McCullum also left wicket‑keeper Jamie Smith out, naming him in the squad despite his partner’s imminent birth.

Stokes and Atkinson remain suspended after breaching a midnight curfew and being involved in an altercation with security staff. Fast bowler Ollie Robinson sits out with right‑knee soreness, prompting Baker’s inclusion for Shoaib Bashir and the decision to drop a spinner. Cox, sidelined by a thumb fracture in 2024, scored 204 off 201 balls for Essex last weekend, justifying his promotion to number seven.

McCullum admitted the squad has been in ‘a bit of chaos’ but praised the balance of power hitters and pace options. He called Cox’s “power and rounded game” the perfect fill for Stokes’ vacancy and likened Baker’s 90 mph swing to Mark Wood’s style. With the lineup set, England aim to level the series after a dominant first‑Test win.