England Weigh Baker Debut Amid Weather Concerns

England has announced a 12-man squad for their first match against New Zealand at Lord's starting Thursday, postponing a decision on Sonny Baker's potential Test debut. Brendon McCullum supports the Hampshire bowler's "noise" approach, with Gus Atkinson possibly playing if conditions are less hot. newssport.cv

This mirrors England's previous strategy of selecting both Mark Wood and Shoaib Bashir before opting for Wood's pace in last November's Ashes Test. On this occasion, Bashir has been chosen as the frontline spinner over Rehan Ahmed, while Jacob Bethell is fit after a finger injury and available to bowl if required.