Kent batsman Zak Crawley named in England 15-strong squad for four-day Test against Ireland at Lord’s

Zak Crawley has been selected in England's 15-strong Test squad for their four-day Test against Ireland.

Kent batsman Crawley, 25, has contributed a ton and two half-centuries – including one at the weekend in the draw against Hampshire - in the opening six County Championship Division 1 games of their season.

Yorkshire wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow is now fully fit, following his broken left leg and dislocated ankle, and is back with England for the first time since last August.

Warwickshire seamer Chris Woakes returns to the Test squad for the first time since March 2022 and, if selected, this will be his first Test appearance on home soil since August 2020.

After taking a break from the tour of New Zealand, Durham fast bowler Mark Wood is back while Surrey batsman Ollie Pope has been officially confirmed as England’s vice-captain with immediate effect.

But Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out for the rest of the summer after recent scans revealed he has sustained a recurrence of a stress fracture to his right elbow.

England managing director and former Kent captain Rob Key said: “We are looking forward to the summer ahead and getting into the swing of things, starting with a good Test against Ireland.

“It was a seriously tough decision to leave Ben Foakes out of the squad.

“He has been excellent for England in the last year but Jonny Bairstow is one of the best players in the world, whose performances last summer epitomised what we are about.

“It has been a frustrating and upsetting period for Jofra Archer. He was making good progress until a recurrence of the elbow injury, which kept him out for an extended period previously.

“We wish him the best of luck with his recovery.

“I’m sure we will see Jofra