Jacob Bethell called up for England Test tour of New Zealand

England have called up uncapped spin bowling all-rounder Jacob Bethell for the Test tour of New Zealand as wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith misses out due to paternity leave.

Barbados-born Bethell, who made his T20 and ODI debuts against Australia last month, has only featured in 20 first-class matches and has a modest batting average of 25.44, without a professional century.

However, England have opted for another left-field selection to cover for Smith, who will miss the three-match series which starts on November 28 in Christchurch to be at the birth of his first child.