Stokes and Atkinson omitted as England make two changes for The Oval Test
England have named a 15-player squad for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, with Joe Root set to captain the side in the absence of regular skipper Ben Stokes.
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have both been left out of the squad while an investigation involving the pair remains ongoing. Despite official vice-captain Harry Brook being available, England have entrusted the leadership role to Root for the match.
England have recalled Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox. Cox receives another chance after previously missing out on a Test debut due to injury, while Archer returns after recovering from a left side strain that sidelined him following the 2025 Ashes series.
The hosts enter the second Test full of confidence after winning the series opener against New Zealand. Ollie Robinson played a key role in that victory with a five-wicket haul in the first innings before contributing valuable runs and wickets in the second innings to help England take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Squad: Joe Root (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.
