James Rew is set to make his England debut in the second Test against New Zealand after being called into the squad as cover for wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. All reports say Smith misses the match due to the birth of his second child, with one outlet specifying the arrival of a daughter. Rew replaces Smith in the England XI, and is described as a third debutant for the game, indicating other players are also making first appearances for England in the series. The selection change is therefore directly linked to Smith’s unavailability for the Test, rather than performance or injury. The second Test against New Zealand is the only match referenced in the reports, and Rew’s inclusion is framed as an immediate response to family circumstances affecting Smith’s participation.