New Zealand cricket icon Kane Williamson is set to make his Test comeback in the upcoming three-match series against England, while 26-year-old all-rounder Nathan Smith has been included in the Test squad for the first time.
New Zealand Test Squad:
- 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.
Williamson, who missed the recent 3-0 series sweep against India due to a groin injury sustained in Sri Lanka, has completed rehabilitation and is fully fit for the home series. He replaces Mark Chapman in the squad, adding invaluable experience to the batting lineup.
Nathan Smith, making his debut in red-ball cricket, had a challenging introduction to international cricket during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, conceding 66 runs in eight overs and scoring just nine runs. However, his stellar domestic performance in the Plunket Shield, where he claimed 33 wickets at an average of 17, has earned him a spot in the Test squad.
Santner and Southee’s Roles
Mitchell Santner, who played a pivotal role in New Zealand's win in Pune with match figures of 13-157, will feature as the primary spinner for the second and third Tests in Wellington and Hamilton. However, he will miss the series opener in Christchurch.
This series might also mark the farewell to Test cricket for veteran bowler Tim Southee, unless New Zealand secures a spot in the World Test Championship final in June next year.
Notable Absentees
Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel, key members of the squad that toured India, are missing from the lineup due to the differing conditions at home. Additionally, fast bowler Ben Sears and all-rounder Kyle Jamieson remain unavailable as they recover from knee and back injuries, respectively.
Series Schedule:
- 1st Test: Nov 28–Dec 2, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
- 2nd Test: Dec 6–Dec 10, Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
- 3rd Test: Dec 14–Dec 18, Seddon Park, Hamilton
With Williamson's return, Smith's debut, and the possibility of Southee’s swansong, the series promises an exciting blend of experience and emerging talent for New Zealand fans.