Jacob Bethell, the 21-year-old Barbados-born all-rounder, is set to make his Test debut for England in Christchurch on Thursday, batting at No 3. This selection, necessitated by Jordan Cox's injury, marks a bold move by England under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Bethell, a stylish left-hander from Warwickshire, has yet to score a first-class century and will be the first batter to debut for England without one since Mike Gatting in 1978.

Bethell moved to England at 14 on a scholarship to Rugby School and is regarded as a generational talent. He has already made international debuts in ODIs and T20s this year and recently signed a £246,000 deal with Royal Challengers Bangalore for the upcoming Indian Premier League. His Test debut, announced during England's training at Hagley Oval two days before the series opener, completes his international set.

Batting at first drop is a significant challenge for an inexperienced cricketer who has never held that position for Warwickshire in the County Championship. However, with Ollie Pope taking on wicketkeeping duties due to Cox's injury, the team's needs dictated the move. Pope's role change follows Cox's unfortunate injury in Queenstown, where he fractured his thumb in the nets after initially being slated to deputise for Jamie Smith (paternity leave). Ollie Robinson, the Durham wicketkeeper, is expected to join the team but was not officially on standby and is currently renewing his passport.

Robinson is yet to be officially called up but should arrive in time for the second Test in Wellington once administrative issues are resolved. Pope is a capable wicketkeeper, having performed the role in three Tests and throughout his Surrey career. The England team, barring further injuries, is otherwise as expected, with a seam attack featuring Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse, complemented by the spin of Shoaib Bashir. Stokes, who recovered from a hamstring tear during the 2-1 defeat in Pakistan, has been bowling in training and is expected to fulfill his usual all-rounder role.

New Zealand has yet to announce their team, but all indications suggest a return for Kane Williamson after missing their historic 3-0 win in India this month. Will Young, despite being named player of the series on that tour, could be the batter to make way.

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