New Zealand have announced their squad for the upcoming three-Test series against the West Indies in December, and the big news is the return of Kane Williamson. The experienced batter has been named alongside seasoned seamer Blair Tickner and rising star Zak Foulkes.
Williamson had recently stepped away from international T20 cricket and skipped the ODI series against the West Indies, which the Black Caps wrapped up with a dominant 3-0 victory on Saturday.
Coach Rob Walter welcomed the 35-year-old back into the Test setup, saying, “Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself, and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group. He’s had a bit of time off to get himself ready for red-ball cricket.”
New Zealand Announce Full Test Squad
The squad features a mix of experience and fresh talent:
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young
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Injuries Open the Door for Others
New Zealand will be without seamers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears, who are sidelined with injuries. Kyle Jamieson is set to miss the opening Test, giving Blair Tickner a strong chance to earn his fourth Test cap, more than two years after his last appearance.
Tickner has been in good form, having picked up two Player of the Match awards in the ODI series against England earlier this season. Jacob Duffy also makes the squad as another pace bowling option.
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Foulkes, just 23, made a memorable Test debut in Bulawayo in August, where he grabbed nine wickets alongside Duffy. His continued rise has impressed the selectors.
Walter praised the trio, saying, “Both Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level. Zak couldn’t have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. That, along with his recent form across the white-ball tours, has rightfully earned him selection.”
West Indies Recall Kemar Roach
On the West Indies side, veteran pacer Kemar Roach has been brought back into their squad. The series begins on December 2 in Christchurch, followed by Tests in Wellington and Tauranga.
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