24-year-old right-arm medium pacer Henry Crocombe was added to England’s squad for the second Test of the ongoing three-match series against New Zealand on Saturday (June 13) as cover for Ollie Robinson.
According to a release from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Robinson, who claimed a five-wicket haul for England in the first innings of the opening Test at Lord’s earlier this week, is set to undergo a knee scan on Saturday afternoon, putting his availability for the second Test at The Oval in London, starting June 17, in doubt.
The Sussex fast bowler has been selected as cover for Ollie Robinson, who is expected to undergo a precautionary knee scan this afternoon.
Robinson experienced soreness after a training session on Friday.
Wishing
you all the best, Ollie 🙏
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 13, 2026
“The Sussex fast bowler has been selected as cover for Ollie Robinson, who is expected to undergo a knee scan on Saturday afternoon. Uncapped seamer Henry Crocombe has been called into the England Men’s Test squad as cover for Ollie Robinson. Robinson experienced knee soreness after a training session on Friday and is set to undergo a precautionary scan on Saturday, June 13. Jofra Archer and Jordan Cox have also been brought into the squad ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, starting on Wednesday at The Kia Oval,” the ECB said in a statement.
Crocombe has played 47 first-class matches so far, taking 104 wickets and scoring 698 runs in 68 innings.
If Robinson fails to prove his fitness, Crocombe could make his Test debut for England at The Oval on Wednesday.
England squad for 2nd Test vs New Zealand: Joe Root (C), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith (WK), Josh Tongue
Stokes, Atkinson Dropped
Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson will not play in the second Test against New Zealand. They were dropped from the squad by the England selectors on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by ECB, given the ongoing investigation, Stokes and Atkinson were not available for selection for the second Test.
In Stokes’ absence, former captain Joe Root will lead the hosts.
