New Zealand Test squad for England series announced!! Kane Williamson returns

In a recent development, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced the squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England on home soil. Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has returned to the national team after missing the recent historic 3-0 Test series victory against India.

The first Test match between New Zealand and England will begin on November 28 in Christchurch. This series is part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. Tom Latham will continue as captain, and veteran pacer Tim Southee is set to retire from Test cricket after the series.

Kane Williamson Returns to New Zealand Squad for England Series

Kane Williamson has returned to the Kiwis' squad for the home series against England. The right-handed batter made a recovery after dealing with a groin injury sustained in September against Sri Lanka. Williamson's inclusion will provide a massive boost for the upcoming series.

All-rounder Nathan Smith earned his maiden Test call-up after impressive domestic performances. The 26-year-old has taken 144 wickets in 53 games at an average of 25.85. He has also contributed with the bat, scoring 1,919 runs at an average of 27.02, including a century and 13 fifties.

New Zealand has opted for a pace-heavy lineup for their series, leaving out spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi. Jacob Duffy will join the squad for the series opener. Mitchell Santner, who was instrumental in the team’s recent victory in Pune, is set to join the squad for the second and third Tests.

Nathan Smith made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka. He could make his Test debut during the series. Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson were not selected for the Test series against England as they continue to recover from long-term injuries.

New Zealand Announces Squad for Test Series vs England

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (Tests 2 and 3), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young

It's Obviously A Big Series For The Side - Sam Wells

BLACKCAPS selector Sam Wells emphasized that the Test series against England is important for both the World Test Championship standings and Tim Southee’s farewell. Wells hailed Southee as one of New Zealand’s all-time greats.

“It’s obviously a big series for the side in terms of the World Test Championship and to also now be farewelling someone like Tim Southee, only raises it up further. Tim has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the great BLACKCAPS,” said Wells.

“I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series. It’s also an exciting time for Nathan to be brought into the Test squad for the first time. Nathan is an exciting talent with a proven First-Class record and I’m sure he will bring a lot of skill and energy to the group," he added.

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