England weighs Sonny Baker Test debut considering weather

England have announced a slimmed-down squad of 12 for Thursday's first match against New Zealand at Lord's, postponing a decision over whether to reward the 'full noise' approach of Hampshire's Sonny Baker with a Test debut. The approach mirrors that at the first Ashes Test last November, when England selected both Mark Wood and Shoaib Bashir before opting for Wood's extra pace. mwafrika.life

On this occasion, Bashir will play, having been preferred to Rehan Ahmed as the team's frontline spinner, while Jacob Bethell is fit after a finger injury and able to bowl if required. Gus Atkinson could feature if conditions at Lord's are less hot.