Stuart Broad returns to England squad for NZ Tests, Rehan Ahmed misses out

Veteran bowler Stuart Broad is back in the England squad for the two-test series in New Zealand in February, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Friday, but rising star Rehan Ahmed has not been included in the touring party.

Broad, who sits fifth in the list of all-time leading wicket takers in international test cricket, missed England's recent historic 3-0 series win in Pakistan due to the birth of his first child. He returns to the setup alongside fellow seamers Matthew Potts and Olly Stone but paceman Mark Wood is not included and neither is Ahmed, fresh from becoming England's youngster-ever wicket taker on debut in the third test win over Pakistan.

The 18-year-old, will go to the UAE T20 League in January with a view to joining up with England's white-ball team in Bangladesh in March. The ECB said the leg spinner's omission was part of "managing his winter".

Yorkshire and England batter Joe Root will play a handful of matches in the UAE T20 League ahead of the tour to New Zealand. He will then have a short break before joining up with the test team. Jonny Bairstow is also absent as he continues his recovery from a broken leg. The first test begins in Tauranga on Feb. 16, with the second taking place in Wellington on 23 February.