Sports News | Smith to Miss England Tour of New Zealand Because of Paternity Leave, Bethell Gets 1st Test Call-up

London, Oct 29 (AP) England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith will miss the team's Test tour of the New Zealand over November and December because he will be on paternity leave for the birth of his first child.

Jordan Cox will take the gloves for the tour and looks set to win his first Test cap during the three-match series.

Also Read | Rajat Patidar Smashes Fifth Fastest Century in Ranji Trophy History, Achieves Feat in Madhya Pradesh vs Haryana Ranji Trophy 2024-25 Match.

Batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell, 21, was called up to a Test squad for the first time, having made his international debut in the summer in T20 and ODI matches against Australia.

The 16-man squad will be captained by Ben Stokes and play Tests in Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton.

Also Read | Glenn Maxwell Reveals Virat Kohli Blocked Him on Instagram for Mocking Star Indian Batsman’s Shoulder Injury in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2017.

The first Test in Christchurch starts on November 28.

England is coming off a 1-2 series loss in Pakistan.

Squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes. AP

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)