James Bracey debut in ENG vs NZ Test? Here's what you need to know

James Bracey debut : Senior player’s unavailability is an opportunity for the young gun to flower! A similar incidence dawned right ahead of England vs New Zealand two-match Test series slated to begin from June 2 at Lord’s.

An injury-marred England player- Ben Foakes, who suffered a freak injury, inadvertently paved the way for James Bracey to come to the fore. Bracey, who was taken as a reserve to Foakes in the England squad, is likely to make his England Test debut in the opening game of the forthcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand.

James Bracey debut confirmed

Hailing from Bristol, Bracey is a wicketkeeper-batsman who has shown mettle with his exemplary batting and wicketkeeping skills. The left-handed batsman often walks at the number 3 position for Gloucestershire. The power-hitting top-order batsman was in sublime form in the ongoing first-class season. In fact, his blazing hot form has placed him as the leading run-scorer for Gloucestershire this summer.

Cap number 698.

Congratulations @bobbybracey25 ? ? pic.twitter.com/ouasM0xzS8

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 1, 2021

James Bracey Age

The 24-year old has made 479 runs at an average of 47.90 from his 11 innings in the Championship so far.

Also read: ENG vs NZ 1st Test: Possible Playing 11 of New Zealand

ENG vs NZ 1st Test : Why Jos Buttler is not playing?

Avenues are all open for the Gloucestershire gloveman, for Foakes’s injury came as a blessing in disguise for this young English player. Team England could have played with Jos Buttler, but the former has been rested to manage the workload for the three lions’ upcoming cricket commitments. With Buttler rested for the series against the Black Caps, expected to play the five-match Test series against India, Bracey has a big chance to impress the selectors against the Kiwis and cement his worth.

Under the normal circumstances – Ben Foakes, who slipped inside the dressing room at the Oval during his team’s County Championship fixture, would have played against New Zealand while Bracey was to perform as an understudy.

Also read: ENG vs NZ 1st Test: Possible Playing 11 of England