• Home
  • Cricket News
  • New Zealand Announce Squad For England Tests Kane Williamson Returns Ajaz Patel Out

New Zealand Announce Squad For England Tests; Kane Williamson Returns, Ajaz Patel Out

Debashis Sarangi

Williamson returns, Ajaz excluded from NZ squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X, @Lommy0Tatham/X]Williamson returns, Ajaz excluded from NZ squad [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X, @Lommy0Tatham/X]

In a significant development, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed a formidable men's squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England on home soil. Tom Latham, who recently led the Blackcaps to a historic three-nil series win against India, has been named the captain of the side. 

Williamson Returns, Nathan Smith Earns Maiden Call-up

New Zealand have received a massive boost ahead of the English assignment, with ace batter Kane Williamson making his much-awaited comeback to the Test setup. The talismanic cricketer was ruled out of the India Tests due to a groin injury. However, fortunately for the home team, he has recovered from the setback and is all set to play the home series. 

Meanwhile, Wellington's promising bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has received his maiden Test call-up and is a potential debut candidate. Apart from scalping 114 First-Class wickets, Smith has amassed 1919 runs in 83 red-ball outings, showcasing his incredible all-round prowess. 

Ajaz Patel Dropped, Jacob Duffy Included

In a strategic move, New Zealand have excluded the spin duo of Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi in order to accommodate fast bowlers better suited for home conditions. As a result, Jacob Duffy has also been included among the five proper seam-bowling options, with Daryl Mitchell playing the batting all-rounder's role. 

Mitchell Santner will join the team for the final two Tests, while Ben Sears and Kyle Jamieson weren't considered for selection after failing to recover from their respective injuries. 

New Zealand's Squad For England Tests

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy (uncapped), Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (2nd & 3rd Tests), Nathan Smith (uncapped), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young