England coach says fast bowler to return for second test

England face a selection decision over a fast bowler who missed the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's. The player completed a full Indian Premier League schedule before resting at home in Barbados while the team won the opening match by 115 runs.

Head coach Brendon McCullum said the bowler is due back in England this week and could join the squad before training begins on Sunday. He added that staff will review availability and pitch conditions in the next couple of days.

Selection considerations The three seamers who shared 19 wickets at Lord's took seven, seven and five wickets respectively on a bowler-friendly surface. Dropping any of them would be difficult, yet the returning bowler has historically been an automatic selection when fit.

A specialist spinner who received no overs at Lord's could be needed at the Oval, where a flatter surface is expected. McCullum noted the team aims to pick players suited to anticipated conditions. "In the next couple of days we'll probably drill down on that but we're hopeful he will be available for the second Test, then we'll work out conditions-wise where we're at," said McCullum.

Captain's batting form The captain and all-rounder bowled seven overs and took one wicket in the first Test while scoring 12 and 0 with the bat. His batting average since the start of 2024 stands at 27.09 with one century in 48 innings. McCullum said he is confident the captain will adjust to batting at number seven and produce runs in upcoming matches.

The coach also noted improved movement and fluency in the player's recent training.