ENG vs NZ 2026: ‘He plays a little bit like Mark Wood’ - Brendon McCullum hails Sonny Baker ahead of debut chance

England head coach Brendon McCullum admitted it has been a difficult week leading up to the second Test, with the team forced into a major reshuffle. Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are unavailable, while Ollie Robinson has been ruled out with a knee injury.

Jordan Cox is expected to replace Stokes at No. 7, while pacer Sonny Baker strengthens the bowling attack alongside the returning Jofra Archer. Joe Root will captain the side for the first time in four years, having handed over the leadership role to Stokes in 2022.

England could also be forced into another change, with wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith set to miss the match as he is expecting the birth of his child in the coming days. If unavailable, James Rew is likely to come into the XI and take over the wicketkeeping duties.

“There’s been a few changes. Whilst there’s been a bit of chaos and it’s been difficult to navigate through the week.... I look at that line-up we have this week and it’s super exciting. I’m quietly confident we’re going to see some exciting cricket,” said McCullum as quoted by Somerset Live.

McCullum talks about Stokes' future as England Test captain

Baker came close to earning his debut cap at Lord’s but was ultimately overlooked. After enduring difficult outings in England’s white-ball matches last year, the fast bowler now has another opportunity to break into the Test side and finally make his long-awaited debut in England colours.

“I genuinely believe that if Sonny’s able to get some early success, if he’s able to get an early wicket, I think the crowd’s going to get behind him. I think the country is going to be behind him because he plays games a little bit like Mark Wood. He’s got good air speed, he swings the ball, he’s got great skills, but he charges in and he’s got wild celebrations. You can just see that cricket is what he wants to do. We wish him well and may the cricketing gods shine on him,” said McCullum.

Cox was denied a potential Test debut in 2024 after fracturing his thumb during training, a setback that paved the way for Jacob Bethell's emergence at No. 3. Although he spent much of this year's domestic season on the sidelines while part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's squad in IPL, Cox thrust himself back into contention with a stunning innings against Leicestershire, helping him leapfrog James Rew in the pecking order for a place in the England XI.

“We wanted to see what he could do before being thrust into that role for the first time and he scored a double hundred, which was a pretty compelling case. We think his power and his rounded game is a pretty good fit at number seven,” McCullum concluded.