James Bracey set for Test debut after freak Ben Foakes accident - England's predicted line-up vs New Zealand

England’s plans for New Zealand Test series disrupted further by injury
James Bracey of Gloucestershire, is set to be handed his first Test cap against New Zealand next week.James Bracey of Gloucestershire, is set to be handed his first Test cap against New Zealand next week.
James Bracey of Gloucestershire, is set to be handed his first Test cap against New Zealand next week.

Ben Foakes has been ruled out of England's Test series against New Zealand after tearing his hamstring in freak circumstances, opening the door for James Bracey's international debut and Haseeb Hameed s eye-catching return to the fold.

Wicketkeeper Foakes had been hoping to make his appearance on home soil at Lord's next week but is now facing an agonising three-month absence. It is understood he slipped on a sock while in the dressing room following Surrey's drawn match against Middlesex on Sunday.

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His ill-fortune means instant promotion for Gloucestershire gloveman Bracey, who is all but certain to take over at the home of cricket. His appearance would be the culmination of a year working with the team behind the scenes as part of an expanded squad, impressing coaches and colleagues with his dedication in the bio-secure bubble.

Ben Foakes has been ruled out with a hamstring injury after slipping in the Surrey changing room.Ben Foakes has been ruled out with a hamstring injury after slipping in the Surrey changing room.
Ben Foakes has been ruled out with a hamstring injury after slipping in the Surrey changing room.

The 24-year-old could now be asked to bat at number seven against the Black Caps but had originally been selected as cover for the top order, a role which now falls to the resurgent Hameed. Kent captain Sam Billings is another beneficiary, having been drafted as wicketkeeping cover.

Billings was involved in the recent Indian Premier League, but returned to domestic action more quickly than Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow, who were not considered.

Hameed is unlikely to play, barring further injury news, but his call-up is nevertheless a significant one. The opener was tipped for big things when he impressed as a teenager in his Test bow in India almost five years ago - dubbed 'baby Boycott' by team-mates - but fell off the radar entirely after his initial run was ended by a broken finger.

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On his return to county cricket with Lancashire he lost all semblance of form and found himself playing second XI cricket after averaging less than 10 in 2018. He was released the following year and picked up by Nottinghamshire, whose coach Peter Moores set about rehabilitating his talent.

James Bracey is likely to bat at No 7 against New Zealand.James Bracey is likely to bat at No 7 against New Zealand.
James Bracey is likely to bat at No 7 against New Zealand.

Still just 24, he is averaging 52.66 in this year's LV= Insurance County Championship and hit centuries in both innings against Worcestershire last month. In doing so he faced 635 deliveries, a new competition record, and showed his old stickability at the crease was back in full working order.

His presence as back up to Rory Burns, Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley, the first-choice top three, suggests England head coach Chris Silverwood has been paying close attention.

An ECB statement read: "Surrey and England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes is ruled out of the forthcoming LV= Insurance Test series against New Zealand after tearing his left hamstring. He will now be assessed and work closely on his rehabilitation with the Surrey medical team and is expected to be out of action for at least three months.

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"England men's head coach Chris Silverwood has called up Kent's wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Billings and Nottinghamshire's top-order batsman Haseeb Hameed."

Meanwhile, Jofra Archer has started a period of "intensive rehabilitation" following elbow surgery but will not know more about a potential comeback date for at least a month.

In his absence, there are places in the squad for in-form duo Craig Overton and Ollie Robinson, plus paceman Olly Stone who impressed in India. They will compete with established trio Mark Wood, James Anderson and Stuart Broad for a place in the starting line-up.

Jack Leach is the spin option, but could miss out if England go with a four-pronged seam attack and call on captain Joe Root’s off-breaks for variety.

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The likes of Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Moeen Alli, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow are not included in the squad due to injury and returning from the Indian Premier League.

Possible England XI v New Zealand for First Test: Burns, Sibley, Crawley, Root, Pope, Lawrence, Bracey, Robinson, Broad, Wood, Anderson