The all-rounder Nathan Smith is set to make his test debut during England’s tour of New Zealand in 2024 after making his ODI debut in the series against Sri Lanka.
The New Zealand test captain Tom Latham has confirmed that Will Young will be missing the tests as Kane Williamson will be returning to the side after an injury.
Smith has swiftly raised through his stunning performance, Nathan Smith have was awarded his first national contract last September. Wellington player has finished as the leading wicket-taker in Plunket Shield this season with 33 wickets.
“This is a well-deserved opportunity for him, and it promises to be an exciting challenge against such formidable opposition,” said Latham.
Captain Tom Latham confirms his XI ahead of the 1st Tegel Test against England starting at Hagley Oval tomorrow. Follow play LIVE in NZ with TVNZ DUKE, TVNZ+, Sport Nation and The ACC. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/rqUKxm8qEw
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 27, 2024
“We’re all eager to rally behind him and see what he can bring to the team.”
Meanwhile he talked about Young who has been impressive during the India tour who batted in No.3 to score 244 runs at an average of 48.80 in the absence of Kane Williamson.
He said that Young’s exclusion was unfortunate saying, “He has been exceptional for us recently. Unfortunately, with someone of Kane’s calibre returning, it was a tough call to make, but it undoubtedly strengthens our squad.”
In Previous series between England and New Zealand, the series ended in a draw with the matches held in Mount Maunganuai and Wellington.
The current series will see the teams reconvene in Wellington for the second test on December 06, followed by the third test in Hamilton on December 14.
The clean sweep could help the kiwis with offering them another chance to reclaim the WTC title.
However, the team is focussing on the upcoming test in Hagley Oval. “If the WTC final is on the horizon, that’s fantastic, but we’re just focused on executing our game plans well day by day,” he concluded.
