London, Dec 23 (Agency) Pacer Stuart Broad has been included in England’s 15-member squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting February 16.Along with Broad, pacer Matthew Potts and batter Dan Lawrence have also been included. Adding to the pace attack is seamer Olly Stone, who will be looking to add to his three Test caps. Mark Wood has been rested from the tour.Potts impressed with his performances during the English summer but was dropped from the side after Ollie Robinson’s return. He was excluded from the squad from the tour of Pakistan. Lawrence is back in the squad after England’s tour of West Indies in March earlier this year. Stone also returns to the Test squad, having last featured in June 2021, ICC reported.
Young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who impressed one and all with his performances in his debut match in Karachi has been excluded from the squad. The batting unit bears a similar look to the tour of Pakistan, with Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes likely forming the side’s backbone. Jonny Bairstow is still out of action, having yet to recover from his injury fully. England squad: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Olly StoneSchedule:16-20 February, 1st Test, Mount Maunganui24-28 February, 2nd Test, Wellington.