England weigh Test debut for Baker amid weather concerns

England have announced a 12-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's starting Thursday, with a decision on whether to include Hampshire's Sonny Baker delayed until the last minute. Coach Brendon McCullum backs the quick bowler's 'noise' approach, while Gus Atkinson could feature if conditions are less hot. somethingsdifferent.biz

Shoaib Bashir has been preferred over Rehan Ahmed as the team's frontline spinner, with Jacob Bethell also fit after a finger injury and available to bowl if required. The selection strategy mirrors the approach taken for the first Ashes Test last November.