(Web Desk) - The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 15-member squad for the second Test match against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on June 17.
The squad features several senior and returning players, with Joe Root set to lead the side in the absence of regular captain Ben Stokes.
The selected squad includes Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer (return), Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox (return), Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, and Josh Tongue.
England will be without Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for the second Test. According to reports, both players have been dropped following alleged protocol violations, and an internal investigation is underway.
The ECB confirmed that Joe Root will take over leadership duties for the match, while the inclusion of Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox strengthens the squad ahead of the second Test.
The series between England and New Zealand continues with the second Test starting on June 17.