Jamie Smith will miss the second Test to attend the birth of his second child. | Photo Credit: Reuters

England has announced ahead of its second Test against New Zealand that Jamie Smith will miss the match on paternity leave, and that uncapped wicketkeeper-batter James Rew will debut in his place.

Rew, who plays for Somerset, will be the third debutant in this England lineup alongside Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker.

It remains to be seen who among Rew and Cox will take the gloves for England.

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Joe Root was handed the captaincy following Ben Stokes’ axe from the role due to his breach of midnight curfew rules after England’s first-Test victory.

Ollie Robinson had suffered an injury before the second game and was also ruled out for the game, with Baker replacing him. Gus Atkinson, who has been suspended along with Stokes, is replaced by Matthew Fisher, while Jofra Archer replaces Shoaib Bashir.

England lineup

Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew (wk), Josh Tongue.

Published on Jun 16, 2026