England 'Rest' Its IPL Stars For Two Home Tests Vs New Zealand

England on Tuesday named uncapped seamer Ollie Robinson and wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey in a 15-member squad and rested its Indian Premier League (IPL) players for the two-match home Test series

The ECB said that the IPL stars would rest for some time before joining their respective counties in due course.

"We need them to recharge mentally. We will then take a view when they return to cricket. It will mean that they will get some competitive matches with their respective counties either in the County Championship or the Vitality Blast next month. We will work closely with each individual on when they are likely to play again," said Silverwood.

Stokes suffered a fractured finger while playing in the IPL, and that led to him being ruled out for the rest of the tournament, which was suspended midway due to a surge in Covid-19 cases in India. Archer did not play in the IPL due to an elbow injury.

"Stokes is progressing well from his fractured left index finger and is set to return to action next month for Durham in the Vitality Blast competition," said the ECB.

"Archer is to meet with a medical consultant later this week to determine the seriousness of his right elbow soreness," it said.

Squad for New Zealand Tests: Joe Root (captain), James Anderson, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood