London: England have announced five changes to their playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, with Somerset wicketkeeper-batsman James Reve making his Test debut after Jamie Smith withdrew on paternity leave.
Smith will miss the tournament following the birth of her second child on Tuesday. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the wicketkeeper-batsman has been released from the squad to be with his family.
“Uncapped wicketkeeper-batsman James Reve has been called up in the England Men’s XI for the second Rodsey Test against New Zealand in place of Jamie Smith,” the ECB said in a statement.
“Smith has been withdrawn from Test matches following the birth of her second child so that she can be with her partner and family,” the statement added.
The 22-year-old will bat at number 6 and handle wicket-keeping duties. Having scored 11 County Championship centuries since the start of the 2023 season, he has established himself as one of the most versatile players in county cricket.
Only Dom Sibley and Joe Clarke have scored more division runs during that period.
Known for his resilience at the crease, Ray expanded his white-ball game last year, earning a place in Somerset’s T20 squad and impressing with his performances at the start of the current Championship campaign.
His younger brother Thomas Reve, who captained the national under-19 side to this year’s World Cup finals, is regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects after scoring his first first-class century earlier this week.
Ray will be joined by Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker making their Test debuts. England have also recalled Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher as part of a significantly revamped side.
With Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson unavailable due to disciplinary reasons, Ollie Robinson sidelined with injury, Smith absent on paternity leave, and spinner Shoaib Bashir ruled out, England will be looking for more balance in their XI.
This is the first time since July 2017 that England have fielded three debutants in the same men’s Test team. On that occasion, David Mallon, Toby Rowland-Jones and Tom Westley made their Oval debuts against South Africa.
The match was also notable for England fielding five players with no more than one Test cap for the first time since the 1993 Headingley Test against Australia.
In Stokes’ absence, Joe Root will captain the side. The former captain brings vast experience to a young side, accounting for 164 of the 281 Test caps held by the XI collectively.
“It’s an amazing team,” Rudd said. “There are a lot of youngsters, a lot of guys at the start of their journey and when someone comes into Test cricket, it brings a lot of energy to the team. It’s a good position to be 1-0 up in the series and a great opportunity this week to win the series.”
New Zealand are expected to make just one change, with Henry Nicholls returning to No.3 after Kane Williamson’s surprise mid-series retirement. Fast bowler Matt Henry is expected to come through Tuesday’s practice without any problems.
England Playing XI for Second New Zealand Test: Ben Duckett, Emilio Kay, Jacob Bethel, Joe Root (catch), Harry Brook, James Reve (week), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Matthew Fisher, Josh Dungu and Sonny Baker.