New Zealand’s star batter Kane Williamson is all set to make his much-awaited return to the longest format of the game as he has been included in the Test squad for the three-match Test series against England.
Well, the New Zealand cricket team has announced their Test squad for the upcoming three-match home series against England.
Kane Williamson Makes Long-Awaited Return for New Zealand’s Home Series
Kane Williamson, who has been out since September due to a groin injury from the Sri Lanka series, will be back for the first match against the England cricket team, which is scheduled to start on November 28 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
For the unversed, Kane Williamson’s injury kept him out of New Zealand’s recent tour to India, where the team managed an impressive 3-0 clean sweep over the hosts, led by Rohit Sharma. Kane Williamson’s return to action is a big boost for the New Zealand cricket team as they would look forward to keeping their momentum going in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship.
Tom Latham to Lead New Zealand, Tim Southee’s Retirement Looms
Tom Latham will remain as captain and experienced pacer Tim Southee, who recently announced he will retire from Test cricket after this World Test Championship cycle, is also included in the squad.
This could mean that Southee’s Test career might end in the third Test against England in Hamilton, making this series a possible farewell for one of New Zealand’s all-time cricket greats.
New Zealand selectors have chosen a well-balanced squad with a mix of experience and youth, but there are some notable exclusions. Fast bowlers Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson are both sidelined due to injuries, while middle-order batter Mark Chapman makes way for Kane Williamson.
Despite strong recent performances against India, spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi have not been included in the squad. However, Mitchell Santner is expected to join the team for the second and third Tests, provided he recovers from a side strain.
Emerging all-rounder Nathan Smith has earned a call-up after impressive domestic performances, adding extra depth to the bowling attack.
Selector Sam Wells expressed excitement about the series, emphasizing the importance of the World Test Championship and the significance of Southee’s upcoming retirement.
“This series is significant for us not only in terms of the World Test Championship but also as we bid farewell to one of our finest, Tim Southee. Tim’s contributions to New Zealand cricket are invaluable, and I believe the team and fans alike will be eager to honor him in this high-profile series against a respected English side,” Wells commented.
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
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ENG vs NZ Test Series schedule:
First Test: November 28 – December 2, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Second Test: December 6-10, Basin Reserve, Wellington
Third Test: December 14-18, Seddon Park, Hamilton
