England have suffered a late selection change ahead of the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, with wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith withdrawing from the squad after the birth of his second child. The 25-year-old had been named in England’s playing XI on Monday, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on the eve of the Test that he would not feature in the match starting on Wednesday, June 17.

Smith, who has played 21 Tests for England, also featured in the opening Test at Lord’s, where he scored 1 and 39. His absence opens the door for 22-year-old James Rew, who will now make his Test debut and take over wicketkeeping duties for England at The Oval.

The ECB confirmed the change on Tuesday and congratulated both players in a social media post, welcoming Smith and his partner on the safe arrival of their baby girl while also wishing Rew success on his debut. Rew’s call-up is a major moment in his career after a strong run in domestic cricket.

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The left-hander has played 64 first-class matches so far and has built an impressive record, scoring 3,921 runs in 107 innings at an average of 41.71. His tally includes 12 centuries and 17 fifties, underlining the consistency that has now earned him a place in England’s Test side. In his most recent first-class outing for Somerset against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, Rew scored 10 and 40.

A double congratulations are in order…

Firstly, to Jamie Smith and his partner on the safe arrival of their baby girl this morning.

And secondly, to James Rew – who will be making his Test debut and wearing the gloves in Jamie’s absence.

We wish you both all the best ❤️

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 16, 2026

Rew is one of three England debutants for the second Test. Along with him, Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker are also set to make their first Test appearances. Cox replaces Ben Stokes in the XI, while Baker comes in for Gus Atkinson.

Stokes and Atkinson were both dropped from the squad following an ongoing investigation, leaving England to make several changes for the second Test. Matthew Fisher, who has one Test cap already, returns to the side in place of Ollie Robinson, who is unavailable due to fitness concerns.

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With Stokes absent, Joe Root has been handed the captaincy for the second Test. The experienced batter was chosen ahead of vice-captain Harry Brook, adding another leadership twist to a reshuffled England lineup as they look to level the series against New Zealand.

England’s playing XI for 2nd Test against New Zealand: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, James Rew (WK), Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker