- 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.
IN FULL
England handed injury boost ahead of first Test against New Zealand
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