New Zealand veteran Kane Williamson will make his return to Test cricket in the upcoming three-match series against England, while all-rounder Nathan Smith receives his maiden call-up to the red-ball squad.
New Zealand Test Squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| 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 missed New Zealand’s 3-0 series win over India last month due to a groin injury sustained during the Sri Lanka tour.
After undergoing rehabilitation, he has been declared fully fit for the home season and returns to the squad in place of Mark Chapman.
Nathan Smith, 26, made his international debut in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, but it was a challenging start for the all-rounder.
He conceded 66 runs in the eight overs he bowled and scored just nine with the bat.
However, Smith has been in impressive form in domestic cricket, topping the Plunket Shield bowling charts with 33 wickets at an average of 17.
Mitchell Santner, who played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s victory in Pune with match figures of 13-157, will be the frontline spinner for the second and third Tests in Wellington and Hamilton.
However, he has not been selected for the series opener in Christchurch.
This series could also mark the swansong for Tim Southee, who is set to retire from Test cricket unless New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship Final in June next year.
Other notable absentees from the Test squad that toured India include Ish Sodhi and Ajaz Patel, with both missing out due to the stark differences in home conditions.
Fast bowler Ben Sears and all-rounder Kyle Jamieson were not considered for selection as they continue their rehabilitation from knee and back injuries, respectively.
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