Kane Williamson left out as New Zealand announce squad for Europe tour

Captain Kane Williamson has been rested as New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the squad for upcoming tours against Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.

Experienced batter Tom Latham is set to lead the Black Caps in a three-match ODI series against Ireland in Dublin from July 10. Latham will now return home with other members of the ODI squad - Henry Nicholls, Matt Henry, Will Young, and Jacob Duffy.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell Santner will take over as the captain for the three T20Is against Ireland in Belfast, three more against Scotland in Edinburgh, and two in early August against the Netherlands in the Hague. He will also lead the side in a one-off ODI game against Scotland.

Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Devon Conway will return to New Zealand following the completion of the ongoing Test series against England, with the white-ball tour to West Indies in August their next likely assignment ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in October.

Express pacer Adam Milne has been recalled in both squads, having featured in last year's ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and could play his first ODI in nearly five years. 

Incumbent wicket keeper-batter Tim Seifert has been ignored, and Dane Cleaver has been entrusted with the responsibility to keep wickets. Glenn Phillips has also been included in the ODI squad for the first time.

Uncapped Otago Volts leg-spinning all-rounder Michael Rippon is a new addition to the T20I setup. Joining Rippon from the Ireland T20I series onwards will be Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, and Ben Sears.

Head coach Gary Stead will be replaced by Shane Jurgensen in Ireland for a scheduled break but will return for the remainder of the tour, along with five additional players.

New Zealand will play three ODIs and as many T20Is against Ireland, followed by two T20Is and one ODI against Scotland, and two T20Is against the Netherlands.

"Coming off the back of the England Test series and in the middle of another busy year, these tours were always going to be an opportunity to further test our depth in white-ball cricket," said New Zealand Cricket selector Gavin Larsen.

Larsen added that the board was determined to continue prioritizing the welfare of players and coaching staff through the pandemic.

"With a T20 World Cup in Australia just around the corner and an ODI World Cup in India next year - this is a great chance to give players further opportunities on the international stage,"

"Michael Rippon thoroughly deserves his selection after consistent performances domestically for many seasons now."

"His left-arm wrist spin is a point of difference, and he also offers some punch down the order with the bat. We've got plenty of spin options in the squads, and I'm sure both Michaels' (Rippon and Bracewell) will relish the chance to rub shoulders with Mitch and Ish and learn from their experience. Dane's earned his opportunity off the back of his strong form for the Central Stags, and it's great to see his recent call up to the Test squad in England."

"The tours should be a great experience for the players and coaches alike, and I wish them all the best," concluded Larsen.

New Zealand ODI squad for Ireland:

Tom Latham (C/wk), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Dane Cleaver (Wk), Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young.

New Zealand squad for Ireland T20Is, Scotland T20Is and ODI, and the Netherlands T20I:

Mitchell Santner (C), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rippon, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner.