Bethell named in England squad as Smith misses New Zealand test series

England have included all-rounder Jacob Bethell in their test squad for the first time, with wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith missing the New Zealand series starting in November on paternity leave, the England and Wales Cricket Board said on Tuesday.

Bethell, who has played five One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and two T20s for England, is the only addition to the squad from the test series in Pakistan, which the hosts won 2-1.

Jordan Cox, who is yet to make his test debut, is in line to take on wicketkeeping duties in Smith's absence, the ECB said in a statement.

England will play three tests against New Zealand, with the first match scheduled to begin on Nov. 28 in Christchurch, followed by games in Wellington and Hamilton.

Squad:

Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes

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