Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope dropped as England shake up Test squad after Ashes humiliation
England have dropped opening batter Zak Crawley from their squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's next month. The squad announcement comes after England’s 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia and a review of the team’s setup. England also confirmed the appointment of former Australia batter Marcus North as national selector.
It is the first time a foreigner has been appointed to the role. England said North "will contribute to the selection of all England men's squads" from the senior team to youth programmes. North has a long association with English domestic cricket, having represented six county teams.
Since 2018, he has served as director of cricket at Durham County Cricket Club, where he has also worked closely with England Test captain Ben Stokes. England selectors had faced criticism from some former players and pundits for overlooking county performances while selecting the national side. That debate gained more attention after the Ashes loss.
England are already coached by New Zealand-born coach Brendon McCullum. North replaces Luke Wright, who spent three years in the role. Crawley and Pope dropped Changes were expected after England’s humiliating Ashes campaign under Stokes and McCullum.
Along with Crawley, No. 3 batter Ollie Pope has also been left out of the squad for the first Test, which begins on June 4. England have included three uncapped players in the squad, while fast bowler Ollie Robinson returns after a two-year absence.