ENG vs NZ 2026: England lose Jamie Smith ahead of second Test as uncapped replacement gets the call

England will be without wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval after he left the squad for the birth of his daughter. Smith’s second child was born on June 16, just a day before the match began, and James Rew has been called up as his replacement.

Rew will keep wicket and bat at No. 7, becoming one of three England players set to make their Test debuts. He joins batter Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker in a significantly reshaped side. It is the first time since England’s Test against South Africa at The Oval in 2017 that the team has fielded three debutants in the same XI.

The changes form part of a wider overhaul following England’s 115-run victory in the opening Test at Lord’s. In total, England have made five changes to the side. Joe Root has been appointed interim captain for the match, taking charge in the absence of regular skipper Ben Stokes. Although Harry Brook is England’s official vice-captain, the selectors have opted for Root’s experience to lead the team.

England will also be without Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson. Jofra Archer returns to the Test side after successfully managing his workload during and after his Indian Premier League campaign. His comeback provides a major boost to England’s pace attack.

The match comes amid reports that Stokes and Atkinson were stood down following an incident that allegedly involved an altercation with a Saracens rugby player. Reports suggest that an ECB support staff member required medical attention.

For New Zealand, Henry Nicholls replaces Kane Williamson after the former captain’s surprise retirement from international cricket. Opener Devon Conway, who briefly returned home for the birth of his child following the defeat at Lord’s, has rejoined the squad and will play in the second Test.

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