England will miss the services of Jamie Smith in the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval after the wicketkeeper-batter withdrew from the match following the birth of his daughter. In the wake of it, England have brought in highly rated youngster James Rew to make his Test debut.
"Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter James Rew has been called into the England Men’s XI for the second Rothesay Test against New Zealand in place of Jamie Smith," the ECB said in a statement.
Smith has been withdrawn from the Test match following the birth of his second child earlier today, enabling him to remain with his partner and family," the statement added.
The Somerset star becomes one of three debutants in England's playing XI. Batter Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker are also set to earn their first Test caps. In the second Test, which begins on June 17, former captain Joe Root will lead the side in the absence of regular skipper Ben Stokes.
England XI for second Test: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, James Rew (wk), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker