Adam Lyth and Mark Wood named in England squad for New Zealand Tests

Yorkshire opener Adam Lyth has been named in the England squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

Durham fast bowler Mark Wood is also in line to make his debut at Lord's next Thursday (21 May).

Lyth, 27, comes in for Jonathan Trott who retired from international cricket earlier this month and will become the latest batsman to attempt to strike a successful partnership with captain Alastair Cook at the top of the batting order.

The rest of the squad remains largely unchanged, with 10 of 11 players named having played in recent Tests against West Indies.

"I'm over the moon," said Lyth, who becomes England's 666<sup>th Test cricketer. "I'm looking forward to opening the batting next week. It's very exciting, I'm sure there will be a lot of nerves next week but I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead. It will be one of the proudest moments of my life."

Wood, 25, meanwhile comes into contention having played just 24 first-class matches.

England squad for first Test against New Zealand
Alastair Cook (capt, Essex), Adam Lyth (Yorkshire), Gary Ballance (Yorkshire), Ian Bell (Warwickshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Sussex), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Mark Wood (Durham).