Uncapped Lyth and Wood included in England squad to face New Zealand

England selectors today announced a 12-man squad for the firstInvestec Test against New Zealand beginning next Thursday (21 May) at Lord’s.

Yorkshire batsman Adam Lyth is set to make his debut next week when he opens the batting alongside England captain Alastair Cook. The 27 year old was selected on his first senior England tour last month but did not feature in the drawn three Test series against West Indies.

Durham pace bowler Mark Wood, who made his ODI debut against Ireland last week, is the only other player uncapped at Test level included in the squad.

National selector, James Whitaker, said: “Adam Lyth has waited patiently for an opportunity with England having performed consistently for Yorkshire and England Lions in the last year. He fully deserves his chance to cement a place in the side at the top of the order.

Mark Wood has also impressed and his pace and style of bowling ensure the coach and captain have options in the bowling attack.

“There were some positive signs during the recent Test tour and it is key that this group of players learns from the instances when the opposition was put under pressure and we were in a position to press for victory but couldn’t quite manage it.

"New Zealand are a very talented side and I expect a very competitive series between the two teams to start what will be an incredibly exciting summer of cricket. Good luck to Alastair, Paul Farbrace and the rest of the squad.”

England Test squad:Alastair Cook (Essex, captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Adam Lyth (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Mark Wood (Durham).

The squad will meet up on Monday 18 May to prepare for the firstTest.

Next week marks the 100thTest between the two teams. The first series was played in New Zealand in 1930 and with England winning the four match series 1-0. The teams last met in a Test series in 2013 with England winning the two match series 2-0.