Root Returns as England Name Reworked Side for Oval Test

An ECB inquiry has sidelined Ben Stokes and left England with debutants and a thin fast-bowling group that could shape the series.

Overview

England begin the second Test at the Kennington Oval with a 1-0 series lead and the match scheduled for June 17–21, 2026.
Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are not in the squad because of an ongoing ECB inquiry and Joe Root has been named interim captain for the fixture.
England published a full XI that hands Test debuts to Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker and recalls Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher, producing one of their least experienced pace attacks in recent years.
New Zealand start the match in the post-Kane Williamson era and will need collective batting contributions from players such as Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra to replace his runs and leadership.
Broadcasts are confirmed for Sony LIV and Sony Sports Network in India, Sky Sports Cricket in England and Sky Sport NZ in New Zealand, and the Oval is expected to become more batting-friendly with light showers forecast and a likely five-day result.