ENG vs NZ 2022 | Harry Brook snubbed for Bairstow as England announce playing eleven

The D-day is finally here. Team England announced its playing XI for the First Test match against New Zealand, scheduled at the iconic Lord's Stadium. England is currently under the scanner due to the depleted depth of the squad.

Amidst all of this, the newly crowned team captain, Ben Stokes, with the new head coach- Brendon McCullum, have decided and announced the playing XI.

The XI is as follows- Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes, Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, and James Anderson.

Remaining Squad - Craig Overton, Harry Brook

This marks the return of the celebrated English pace duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad. They will be joined by the debutant Matthew Potts, who has been rewarded with an England Cap.

The selection of Jonny Bairstow over Harry Brook might raise a few eyebrows. But it only makes sense to have a seasoned batter like Bairstow in the XI when he has scored two centuries in his last 4 test matches.

This announcement will now clarify all the fans and pundits who have spent the last few days making permutations and combinations. 

The 1st Test match of the series begins on 2nd June, where England will battle it out against the Kiwis at Lord's.