Christchurch, Nov 24 (UNI) New Zealand on Monday announced a 14-player squad for the opening Test of the Tegel Test Series against the West Indies, set to begin Dec. 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
The squad features the return of star batter Kane Williamson, along with pace trio Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Blair Tickner. Williamson, New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer, missed the Test series in Zimbabwe over the winter.
As per the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) website, the side’s all-time leading run-scorer Kane Williamson has also returned to the side after missing the Test series in Zimbabwe over the winter.
BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter welcomed the return of Williamson to an already high performing Test side.
“Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group,” he said.
“He’s had a bit of time off to get himself ready for red-ball cricket, and I know he’s looking forward to playing for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunket Shield in the lead-up to the first Test.”
The selection panel also rewarded pace bowlers Duffy and Foulkes, who made their Test debuts together in Zimbabwe in August. Foulkes, in particular, impressed with a record breaking 9 for 75, now the best match figures by a BLACKCAP on Test debut.
Tickner returns to the Test side for the first time since 2023 and following back-to-back ANZ player of the match performances against England in the Chemist Warehouse ODI series earlier this month.
Walter spoke on Zak Foulkes’ selection after his Test debut in Zimbabwe earlier in the year.
“Zak couldn’t have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. That, along with his recent form across the white-ball tours, has rightfully earned him selection.”
Walter said Duffy and Tickner were experienced campaigners.
“Both Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level.
“They’ve impressed in their white-ball opportunities so far this summer and we back them to do so in the Test arena if called upon.”
All rounder Daryl Mitchell has also been included after recovering from a minor groin injury sustained during the first ODI against the West Indies on November 16.
Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips weren’t considered for the first Test as they continue to build their match fitness as part of a managed red-ball return-to-play plan.
New Zealand Squad, first Test v West Indies
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
The first Test starts in Christchurch at Hagley Oval on Tuesday, December 2. The second Test starts at the Cello Basin Reserve in Wellington on December 10 with the third and final Test beginning at Bay Oval in Tauranga on December 18.
