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New Zealand cricket fans have reason to celebrate as star batter Kane Williamson is set to return for the highly anticipated Test series against England after recovering from a groin injury. Williamson, who missed the recent tour of India, is a significant boost for the Black Caps as they prepare to take on England in a crucial series with World Test Championship (WTC) implications.
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Nathan Smith Earns First Test Call-Up
Joining the squad for the first time is Wellington all-rounder Nathan Smith, who has been handed his maiden Test call-up. The 26-year-old has been in red-hot form, leading the wicket-taking charts in last season’s Plunket Shield with 33 wickets at an average of 17.18. Smith recently made his international debut in the ODI series against Sri Lanka and was awarded a central contract in September. His domestic success extends to his stint with Worcestershire, where he took 27 wickets at 21.14 in the County Championship, along with three half-centuries.
Also Read: Lungi Ngidi Ruled Out of Sri Lanka and Pakistan Test Series Due to Groin Injury
Injuries Force Squad Changes
The squad sees the inclusion of uncapped seamer Jacob Duffy as well, with Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) sidelined due to injuries. The left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who was instrumental in the victory against India with 13 wickets in Pune, will join the squad for the second and third Tests in Wellington and Hamilton.
Meanwhile, Ajaz Patel, who took 15 wickets in the India series, has not been selected, meaning his record of taking all his 85 Test wickets away from home remains unchanged.
Also Read: Pakistan Triggers India by Announcing Champions Trophy Trophy Tour in PoK
Williamson’s Return Puts Pressure on Will Young
Williamson’s comeback adds depth to the New Zealand batting lineup but could pose a selection dilemma. Will Young, who was the player of the series in India, might have to make way in the playing XI to accommodate the returning captain.
Tim Southee Announces Retirement After England Series
In a bittersweet announcement, Tim Southee has revealed that he will retire from Test cricket following the series against England, unless New Zealand makes it to the World Test Championship final. The Black Caps’ impressive 3-0 sweep over India has kept their hopes alive, but a clean sweep against England is crucial to their WTC final ambitions.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells commented on the significance of the series, saying:
“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 Black Caps. 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.”
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 (Tests 2 and 3)
- Nathan Smith
- Tim Southee
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young
Series Schedule
- 1st Test: Christchurch (Starts November 28)
- 2nd Test: Wellington
- 3rd Test: Hamilton
With Williamson’s return and the inclusion of new talents like Nathan Smith, New Zealand will be aiming to give a fitting farewell to Tim Southee and strengthen their chances in the World Test Championship standings.
