Anderson, Broad return; Brook, Potts earn maiden call-ups for New Zealand Tests

England have recalled James Anderson and Stuart Broad, their two most successful Test wicket-takers of all time, for the first two Tests of a three-match series against New Zealand next month. The pair were controversially left out of the squad from the recent tour of Caribbean, with England's 1-0 loss in a three-game campaign leaving them bottom of the World Test Championship table.

But they have now been named in a 13-man squad, with the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's starting on June 2 marking Ben Stokes' first match since he was appointed as full-time England captain, replacing Joe Root. This will also be England's new Test head coach Brendon McCullum's first assignment.

England have also called up Yorkshire batsman Harry Brook and Durham paceman Matthew Potts for the first time. Brook gets his chance following a series of repeated failures by England's top order. He has been in fine form for Yorkshire this season, scoring 758 runs at an average of 151.60 in the first division of the County Championship.

Potts, who has taken 35 wickets at 18.57 across his first six County games for Durham this season, has been given a chance after an injury crisis among England's quick bowlers ruled out Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Fisher, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Olly Stone, Sam Curran and Ollie Robinson.

"This is the start of a new era for our Test team under the stewardship of Ben and Brendon. With a blend of youth and experience, we have selected an exciting squad that can compete with New Zealand in next month's Test series," said England's new managing director of men's cricket, Rob Key.

"We have rewarded players in Harry Brook and Matty Potts who have had outstanding starts to the county season, and they deserve the opportunity to stake a claim at this level. It promises to be a mouthwatering series, and I can't wait for the team to start against a very good New Zealand side. It is a fascinating prospect for everyone connected with the sport in this country."

England have retained Alex Lees and Zak Crawley, their opening batsmen in the West Indies, as well as Ben Foakes, for what could be the wicketkeeper's first home Test. The experienced Jonny Bairstow also keeps his place despite his ongoing involvement in the Indian Premier League.

Jack Leach has retained his place despite Matt Parkinson doing well for Lancashire. The likes of Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Haseeb Hameed and Dawid Malan have all been left out. Meanwhile, Dan Lawrence misses out because of an injury. 

Squad for first two Tests: Ben Stokes (c), Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Harry Brook, Ben Foakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jack Leach, Matthew Potts.

(With inputs from AFP)