England have dropped wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow for November 2019’s Test series against New Zealand.

Bairstow struck a mere 214 runs in 10 innings during the recent Ashes series with Australia and averages under 36 in Test cricket.

The talented Jos Buttler, who played as a specialist batsman during the Ashes series, will replace Bairstow behind the stumps.

‘This feels like an opportunity for Jonny to reset,’ said national selector Ed Smith.

‘I think he’ll come back stronger from this. He does drop out of the Test squad for these two Tests in New Zealand, which are not part of the World Test Championship, and I predict he’ll come back stronger for having had a bit of time away from the Test set-up.’

The uncapped Zak Crawley, Dominic Sibley, Matthew Parkinson and Saqib Mahmood have been included and all-rounder Sam Curran retained.

Batsmen Crawley and Sibley have enjoyed fine stretches of form for Kent and Warwickshire in the County Championship recently. Leg-spinner Parkinson and fast bowler Mahmood play for Lancashire.

Batsman Ollie Pope, meanwhile, has been recalled. Pope batted in England’s middle order during the 2018 Test series against India.

New Zealand and England will contest two Tests in Mount Maunganui and Hamilton, preceded by five T20Is.

Squad: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Dominic Sibley, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.

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