England's Test squad has been bolstered by the addition of uncapped pace bowler Henry Crocombe ahead of the second Test against New Zealand. The 24-year-old Sussex player has been called in as cover for Ollie Robinson, who experienced knee soreness after a training session on Saturday.
Robinson's knee issue has prompted a precautionary scan for the seamer, who took seven wickets on his return to Test cricket in the first-Test win at Lord's. England are without seamer Gus Atkinson and captain and all-rounder Ben Stokes for the Test, which begins on Wednesday at Trent Bridge, after they were involved in an incident in a nightclub.
Crocombe, who has never been included in an England squad before, has taken 21 wickets at an average of 28.61 in seven County Championship matches for Sussex this season. He also claimed 4-65 for England Lions against South Africa A last month. The other seamers in the squad include Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, and Matt Fisher.
Crocombe's selection may raise eyebrows, given other recent picks have been overlooked. However, England coach Brendon McCullum and managing director Rob Key have namechecked the player in recent weeks, highlighting his impressive form this season. A product of Sussex's academy, Crocombe was first picked by England Lions in 2024 before struggling with injury.
England are looking to build on their first-Test win at Lord's, and Crocombe's inclusion will provide an extra option for the selectors. The second Test against New Zealand gets underway on Wednesday at Trent Bridge, with England seeking to take a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.