England have named their playing XI for the second Test match against New Zealand at The Oval, with Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker set to make their Test debuts.
The hosts have made four changes to the side that secured a 115-run victory at Lord’s, which moved them up to seventh place in the World Test Championship standings, according to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Jofra Archer returns to the Test setup following his last appearance in December last year, while Matt Fisher is selected for his first Test outing since debuting in Barbados in 2022.
For Cox, this is a long-awaited opportunity after injury setbacks previously denied him a maiden Test cap. The Essex batter recently featured for England Lions and demonstrated promising form in the Vitality Blast, scoring a quickfire 40 off 31 deliveries earlier this week.
Ollie Robinson, who made a strong comeback in the series opener with a seven-wicket haul after a two-year absence, is omitted from the second match due to injury.
Archer’s inclusion strengthens a pace-heavy attack that includes Fisher, Josh Tongue and fellow debutant Baker, as England aims to win the series against New Zealand.
Joe Root was earlier named interim captain in the absence of Ben Stokes. Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Emilio Gay and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith also feature in the XI.
England Playing XI: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Jamie Smith, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Matt Fisher, Josh Tongue.