Kane Williamson will return to the New Zealand squad for the upcoming three-match test series against England.
Williamson, who suffered a groin injury during the Sri Lanka tests, also missed the entire India series, in which New Zealand secured a 0-3 whitewash over Rohit Sharma’s side.
Williamson has recovered well and is part of the squad for the three match ICC WTC series England that commences in Christchurch.
Tom Latham will be leading the side alongside with Tim Southee, who revealed his retirement plans from Test cricket after the completion of current WTC campaign.
New Zealand would likely aim for a clean sweep to have any chances of finishing in top two places of WTC standings and qualify for the finals at Lord’s.
Pacers Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson has no room in New Zealand squad as they continue their recovery progress, and Mark Chapman makes way for Kane Williamson.
Wellington Firebirds bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has earned his maiden Test call-up for the upcoming three-match Tegel Test series against England, starting at Hagley Oval on November 28.
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Meanwhile, Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi who made good performance against India was not named in the squad for England tests.
On the other hand, fellow spinner Mitchell Santner is included for the second and third tests of the series as he continues his recovery from a side strain that forced him to miss the third test against India, while all-rounder Nathan Smith has earned maiden test callup after some standout performances at domestic level in New Zealand.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells is looking forward to the visit of England and believes the series will be hard-fought against highly respected opponent.
“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,” he said.
“Tim has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the great Black Caps.
“I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series.”
The first match of the test series will begin on November 28 at Hagley Oval.
New Zealand Squad for England tests: 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
