Ben Foakes ruled out of New Zealand Tests; England name Sam Billings as replacement

England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand after tearing his hamstring. Foakes, who suffered the injury after slipping on socks while walking in the dressing room following Surrey vs Middlesex match at the Oval, is expected to be out of action for three weeks. Foakes was very likely to don the keeping gloves in the first Test at Lords. He has represented England in eight Tests and has shown impressive technique both as a batsman and keeper. 

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England have named Sam Billings as a replacement for Foakes. However, James Bracey, who is already in the squad should be the first choice wicket-keeper. Meanwhile, Haseeb Hameed, who last played for England in 2016, has been drafted into the side after an impressive performance during the 2021 county season, scoring 474 runs at an average of 52.66. He will join the English squad on Sunday following Nottinghamshire's match against Warwickshire.

England will be without the services of several key players against New Zealand. While Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer are out due to injuries, IPL bound England players, including the likes of Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes have been rested by the ECB. 

England Squad: Joe Root (C), James Anderson, Sam Billings, James Bracey, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Mark Wood

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