New Zealand Cricket announces 20-member squad for Test series against England

Following a 1-0 win against England last year, New Zealand are expected to repeat their heroics when they tour England for a three-match Test series, starting from June 2. The Kiwis will have two warm-up matches, before the series begins.

The first warm-up match will be played at Hove from May 20 to May 23, while Chelmsford will host the second practice match from May 26 to May 29. New Zealand Cricket have announced a 20-member Test squad ahead of the high-profile tour.

13 players have been recalled from the World Test Championship-winning squad. The Blackcaps have named an extended squad for England tour as the five IPL-bound players are unlikely to play the warm-up matches.

The team will be announcing the final 15-member squad just a few days before the start of the series. 

The highlight of the squad announcement is the maiden Test call-up for all-rounder Michael Bracewell. The player had an outstanding Plunket Shield tournament and as a result has been given a place in the national squad.

Meanwhile, wicket-keeper Cam Fletcher and pacer Blair Tickner will be going for an overseas Test tour for the first time. Rachin Ravindra also finds a place in the team, while Hamish Rutherford and Jacob Duffy were also named in the Test squad.

"It's going to be a busy winter, but we're looking to embrace it as a group. The red ball tour of England first up is clearly high on our priority list, and we're looking forward to hitting the ground running over there in a couple of weeks," Kiwi coach Gary Stead said.

"The English are always tough in their own conditions and have many talented players they can call on. There's a reason we've only ever won a couple of Test series over there, and we know we'll have to be at our very best to do it again. We've seen in recent times the need to be flexible with squads, schedules and staffing - and this winter will be no different," Stead added.

"It's an exciting time for Michael and Cam, who will be heading away with the BLACKCAPS for the first time. They had a taste of the environment this summer, and I'm sure they'll be looking forward to the opportunity of touring with the side and all the extra things that entail," he concluded.

New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Cameron Fletcher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young