Kane Williamson Returns for New Zealand’s Test Series Against England
New Zealand star Kane Williamson is set to return from a groin injury that sidelined him for the recent India tour, joining the squad for the upcoming Test series against England. Meanwhile, Wellington allrounder Nathan Smith has earned his first Test call-up, adding depth to the team.
The squad also includes uncapped seamer Jacob Duffy, while Blair Tickner and Kyle Jamieson are absent due to knee and back injuries, respectively. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, fresh off a 13-wicket haul in Pune, will join the squad for the second and third Tests in Wellington and Hamilton. The series opener takes place in Christchurch on November 28.
Smith, who made his ODI debut earlier this week, was last season’s top wicket-taker in the Plunket Shield with 33 wickets at an average of 17.18. He also excelled in the County Championship, taking 27 wickets at 21.14 for Worcestershire, along with scoring three half-centuries.
Spinner Ajaz Patel, known for his 15-wicket series against India, has not been included, leaving his remarkable record of all 85 Test wickets taken abroad intact for now.
Williamson’s return could potentially impact Will Young, who was named player of the series in India, as he vies to keep his place in the playing XI.
Earlier, it was announced that veteran Tim Southee would retire from Test cricket after the England series unless New Zealand qualifies for the World Test Championship final. Their recent 3-0 win over India has kept New Zealand in contention, though even a whitewash against England may not be enough to secure a spot.
“This is a big series for the team in terms of the World Test Championship,” selector Sam Wells noted. “Farewelling a player of Tim Southee’s caliber only raises the stakes. Tim has had a fabulous career, and the team and public will be eager to give him a fitting send-off. It’s also an exciting time for Nathan, who has a proven first-class record and will bring skill and energy to the squad.”
New Zealand Test Squad vs England
- Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (for Tests 2 and 3), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
