Auckland, Nov 24 (LatestNewsX) – New Zealand have named their Test squad for the opening fixture against the West Indies, welcoming back Kane Williamson and featuring a 14‑player group that includes the fast bowlers Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Blair Tickner.
Daryl Mitchell has cleared fitness after recovering from a minor groin problem that occurred during the first ODI of the series.
Williamson missed the July Tests against Zimbabwe and hasn’t represented the Black Caps in red‑ball cricket since December last year. To gear up for his comeback he will take part in Northern Districts’ second‑round Plunkett Shield match.
Both Duffy and Foulkes earned their debuts during the Zimbabwe series; Foulkes made headlines with a record 9‑for‑75 on Test debut. Tickner, meanwhile, is returning to the Test scene for the first time since March 2023.
Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips were left out of the squad as they continue a managed return‑to‑play programme to rebuild match fitness. Players out on injury include Matt Fisher (shins), Will O’Rourke (back) and Ben Sears (hamstring).
Head coach Rob Walter welcomed Williamson’s re‑entrance into a side that already boasts strong red‑ball credentials. “Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself, and it’s great to have his skills and leadership back,” he said. “He’s had a bit of time off to get ready for the longer format, and I know he’s looking forward to playing for Northern Districts in the Plunkett Shield before the first Test.”
Walter also praised Zak Foulkes’ selection after a stellar debut in Zimbabwe earlier this year. “Zak did exceptionally well in his first Test, and combined with his recent white‑ball form, he deserves his place,” he added.
The coach highlighted the experience of Jacob and Blair, noting they have proven themselves in white‑ball cricket this summer and are ready to step up in the Tests if required.
The first Test kicks off in Christchurch at Hagley Oval on 2 December. The second will be played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on 10 December, and the final match will take place at Bay Oval in Tauranga on 18 December.
Squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), 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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