Eng vs NZ, 1st Test: James Bracey to make debut for hosts

London [UK], June 1 (ANI): England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday confirmed that wicketkeeper-batsman James Bracey will be making his debut for the side in the first Test against New Zealand, beginning Wednesday at the Lord's Cricket Ground.
"Cap number 698. Congratulations @bobbybracey25," official handle of England Cricket tweeted.
Earlier on Tuesday, it was confirmed that pacer Stuart Broad will be the side's vice-captain for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, beginning Wednesday.
"Our vice-captain for #ENGvNZ. @StuartBroad8," official handle of England Cricket tweeted.
Last week, England men's cricket team coach Chris Silverwood had called up Kent's wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings and Nottinghamshire's top-order batsman Haseeb Hameed for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.
The call-ups came as England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes was ruled out of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand after tearing his left hamstring.
Foakes, who was selected in the England men's squad earlier this month, was set to play his first Test in home conditions next month at Lord's, but he sustained the injury slipping in the dressing room after Surrey's County Championship fixture against Middlesex at the Kia Oval.
"He will now be assessed and work closely on his rehabilitation with the Surrey medical team and is expected to be out of action for at least three months," the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in an official statement.
Billings, an established member of England's white-ball squads, is uncapped as a Test player. On the other hand, Hameed, who has been in impressive form during the 2021 county season, has scored 474 runs at an average of 52.66. He last played Test cricket in November 2016. His three Test caps came against India during England's winter tour of 2016.
England and New Zealand will be locking horns in two Tests, beginning June 2 at Lord's Cricket Ground. The second Test between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston will be the first pilot event within the second phase of the government's world-leading Events Research Programme and have crowds coming in for the June 10 to 14 encounter.
As per a report on edgbaston.com, the stadium will be able to accommodate around 18,000 spectators each day, 70 per cent of total stadium capacity. (ANI)