England weigh Test debut for Baker with weather in mind

England has named a slimmed-down squad of 12 for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, with Sonny Baker's Test debut hanging in the balance. Coach Brendon McCullum supports the Hampshire quick bowler's "noise" approach, but the decision will be delayed until the last moment, similar to the approach taken with Mark Wood and Shoaib Bashir during the first Ashes Test.

Shoaib Bashir has been confirmed as the frontline spinner, with Rehan Ahmed missing out, while Jacob Bethell has recovered from a finger injury and is available to bowl if needed. Gus Atkinson could feature if conditions at Lord's are less hot, indicating England's strategy of adapting their pace attack to the prevailing weather conditions. truewildslot.com