Mark Wood has earned a recall to England’s squad for the two-Test tour of New Zealand in March.
The 28-year-old celebrated his birthday with news of a call-up to the Test side for the first time since the South Africa series in July.
Wood impressed on England Lions’ camp in Australia & subsequently went on to stay with the full side for the final two Tests of the Ashes series.
He is currently preparing for the ODI & T20 leg of the tour, which begins in Melbourne on Sunday.
Wood’s Test record currently stands at 26 wickets in ten matches & brings an added dimension to the England bowling attack.
Ben Stokes is included, though his involvement remains subject to any relevant legal or disciplinary in relation to the incident in Bristol in September.
Should the ECB Board receive formal confirmation that Stokes has either been charged or that he will face no charges, they would convene within 48 hours to make a decision on his availability for the team at that stage.