- England cricketer Jacob Bethell is expected to be fit for the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's, having recovered from a finger injury sustained during the Indian Premier League (IPL).
- Bethell's availability is a boost for England's top order, which is set to include Durham's Emilio Gay making his debut as an opener for the match that begins on 4 June.
- Meanwhile, England head coach Brendon McCullum defended his recent absence from the UK in an in-house interview released by the ECB, citing a demanding winter schedule, family commitments, and two operations in New Zealand.
- McCullum stated he has been closely monitoring the County Championship and remains well-informed about English talent despite not being physically present.
- New Zealand are facing an injury concern of their own with their attack leader Matt Henry, who has a low-grade hamstring strain and was ruled out of their Test against Ireland this week, though he has joined the squad in London.
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