Kane Williamson returns as New Zealand announce squad for Test series against England
New Zealand have named a 14-man squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England, scheduled to begin on November 28 at the Hagley Oval. Ace batter Kane Williamson has been named in the squad after missing the entirety of the Kiwis' recent historic 3-0 whitewash in India while bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith receives a maiden Test team call-up.
In the hunt for a potential spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final, New Zealand need a series win over England, and other results to go their way.
Spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi have been dropped now that New Zealand are back on the seam-friendly home turf, while Mark Chapman is also omitted.
Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets in the second Test against India and is leading the side in Sri Lanka, has been named for the second and the third Test against England. All-rounders Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra also retain their places in the squad after a prolific outing in the subcontinent.
The upcoming series marks the final international assignment for Southee unless New Zealand makes it to the WTC Final. However, it will still be the final time that the right-arm pacer turns up to play for the nation on home soil.
Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson were not considered for selection as they are still recovering from their long-term injuries. The former was a last-minute casualty ahead of the India tour and was replaced by Jacob Duffy.
Nathan Smith could earn a potential Test debut during the series after coming on the back of a white-ball-heavy season, including an ODI debut in the recently concluded first ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla.
New Zealand squad for three-match Test series against England
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (2nd & 3rd Tests), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
New Zealand squad to assemble in Christchurch on November 25
Wellington and Hamilton will host the remainder of Tests as the squad will convene in Christchurch on November 25 ahead of the series opener three days later.
New Zealand had played out a 1-1 series draw against England at home in 2023, which included a thriller in Basin Reserve, where the hosts recorded a one-run victory.