England's cricket team announces a new selector and a new-look test squad in post-Ashes rebuild

England's cricket team has emerged from its post-Ashes self-reflection with a new national selector — a foreigner, for the first time — and a new-look test squad. Marcus North, a former Australia batter, was confirmed in the key position on Wednesday by England, which said he “will contribute to the selection of all England men’s squads” from the senior teams through to youth programs. England selectors have been criticized by some pundits for ignoring county form when picking who plays for the national team, so that might have been a factor behind North's appointment in the wake of the embarrassing 4-1 loss to Australia in the Ashes.

England's cricket team is turning a new page after a tough Ashes series, announcing both a groundbreaking new selector and a revamped test squad that signals a bold rebuild for the future.

For the first time in history, the national selector role goes to a foreign-born talent: former Australia batter Marcus North. Confirmed in the position on Wednesday, North will oversee selection across all England men's squads—from the senior side down through youth programs. His appointment comes amid growing criticism that England selectors have overlooked county form when choosing the national team, a factor that likely influenced the decision following the team's disappointing 4-1 Ashes loss to Australia.

North brings a deep connection to English cricket, having played for six county teams and served as director of cricket at Durham since 2018. There, he worked closely with England test captain Ben Stokes, giving him unique insight into the team's leadership and culture. He takes over from Luke Wright, who held the role for three years.

This isn't England's first international hire—head coach Brendon McCullum is also foreign-born—but it underscores a commitment to fresh perspectives after the McCullum-Stokes era hit a new low in the Ashes.

The squad reflects that reset. For the upcoming three-test home series against New Zealand starting June 4, England has dropped opener Zak Crawley and No. 3 batter Ollie Pope, while adding three uncapped players. Among them are opener Emilio Gay, who has played limited-overs internationals for Italy (where his mother was born), and wicketkeeper-batter James Rew. The fast-bowling unit, meanwhile, faces a rebuilding phase: Chris Woakes has joined James Anderson and Stuart Broad in retirement, Mark Wood and Brydon Carse are injured, and Jofra Archer is unavailable due to T20 commitments. Matthew Fisher, who played his only test in 2022, returns alongside 23-year-old Sonny Baker—the third uncapped player in the squad. Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, and Josh Tongue provide the more senior pace options.

The full test squad for the New Zealand series: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, and others ready to step up. It's a new-look England—one that's embracing change from the top down.

England's cricket team announces a new selector and a new-look test squad in post-Ashes rebuild

England's cricket team announces a new selector and a new-look test squad in post-Ashes rebuild