LONDON — England’s wicketkeeper, Jamie Smith, will not be part of the team for the upcoming test series in New Zealand during November and December, as he will be taking paternity leave following the birth of his first child.

In his absence, Jordan Cox has been chosen to take over the wicketkeeping responsibilities and is poised to earn his first test cap throughout the three-match series.

Additionally, 21-year-old Jacob Bethell has received a call-up to the test squad for the first time, having previously participated in international matches in T20 and ODI formats against Australia over the summer.

The 16-member squad will be led by captain Ben Stokes and will compete in test matches in Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton. The series kicks off with the first test in Christchurch on November 28.

England approaches the series following a disappointing 2-1 series defeat against Pakistan.

The selected squad includes: Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Olly Stone, and Chris Woakes.