Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

England second Test squad changes have brought debuts for Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker, with Brendon McCullum forced into a major reshuffle before the New Zealand match at The Oval.

England lead the three-Test series after a 115-run win at Lord’s, but captain Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson are all unavailable for the second Test.

The selection shake-up comes during a busy sporting week after Spain vs Cabo Verde World Cup Clash Begins as Lamine Yamal Starts on Bench, with major teams managing late changes before key fixtures. Fans can follow official cricket updates through the England and Wales Cricket Board website.

Cox and Baker Handed Test Chance

Cox replaces Stokes at No.7 after scoring 204 for Essex in his first County Championship match in 11 months.

Hampshire fast bowler Baker joins the attack alongside returning quick Jofra Archer, while Shoaib Bashir drops out after not bowling in the series opener.

Joe Root will captain England again, more than four years after passing the role to Stokes.

James Rew could yet be added if wicketkeeper Jamie Smith misses the match due to the expected birth of his second child.

McCullum Backs New-Look Side

"There's been a few changes," McCullum said with heavy understatement.

"Whilst there's been a bit of chaos and it's been difficult to navigate through the week…. I look at that line-up we have this week and it's super exciting. I'm quietly confident we're going to see some exciting cricket."

Baker nearly made his Test debut at Lord’s and now has another chance after difficult first appearances in both white-ball formats last year.

"I genuinely believe that if Sonny's able to get some early success, if he's able to get an early wicket, I think the crowd's going to get behind him," said McCullum.

England’s named XI is Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher and Sonny Baker.