Legendary duo, debutants named in England Test squad

England's two all-time leading Test wicket takers have returned from their brief exiles, with Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad recalled in a squad that also features two debutants.

Paceman Matthew Potts and batter Harry Brook are in line to earn their maiden Test caps next month after earning call-ups to a 13-man squad for the first two matches of the three-Test home series against the Kiwis.

Left frustrated at their absences from a post-Ashes tour of the Caribbean, Broad and Anderson are back in new Test coach Brendon McCullum's first squad amid a host of pace bowlers going down with injury.

England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Joe Root, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts

The squad was picked by a revamped selection panel chaired by new director of men's cricket Rob Key and featuring input from recently appointed captain Ben Stokes and incoming head coach Brendon McCullum.

Ollie Pope, who also hasn't played since last summer's 0-4 Test series defeat to Australia, has been recalled and would appear to be vying with newcomer Brook for the No.3 spot.

Brook, the 23-year-old who played for the Hobart Hurricanes in the most recent KFC BBL season, has piled on 758 runs at 152 including three centuries in the County Championship this season.

Potts, also 23, also has strong domestic form on his side (35 wickets in six games) and has surged into contention with Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher all injured.

There was no room in the squad either for Ollie Robinson, who has battled a succession of fitness issues and whose bowling in domestic cricket has been restricted.

While the presence of two young, in-form talents and the welcome restoration of the two leading wicket-takers in England's history represents cause for optimism there may also be some frustration that the attack-minded pairing of Stokes and McCullum have not drafted in leg-spinner Matt Parkinson.

Overlooked for Jack Leach, Parkinson is renowned for his ability to produce unplayable deliveries and, after a couple of years on the fringes of the red-ball side, seemed to be close to a breakthrough.

He is the leading spinner in the country this term, despite bowling on largely unhelpful pitches, but even 23 scalps in four outings has not been enough.

Elsewhere, England have kept faith with Alex Lees and Zak Crawley, the opening pair from the recent West Indies tour, and retained wicketkeeper Ben Foakes for what should be his first home Test.

Australian-born opener Sam Robson, whose Middlesex captain Peter Handscomb had suggested should be in contention to add to his seven Test caps following strong county form, missed selection.

Jonny Bairstow also holds his place despite his ongoing involvement in the Indian Premier League and a late decision on his readiness could be required.

Key, who also involved performance director Mo Bobat, head scout James Taylor and player identification lead David Court in selection, said: "This is the start of a new era for our Test team under the stewardship of Ben and Brendon.

"With a blend of youth and experience, we have selected an exciting squad that can compete with New Zealand in next month's Test series.

"We have rewarded players in Harry Brook and Matty Potts who have had outstanding starts to the county season, and they deserve the opportunity to stake a claim at this level."

- with PA