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NZ squad for 1st Test vs WI unveiled: Williamson returns; Jamieson, Phillips excluded

Debashis Sarangi

Kane Williamson is back in NZ Test squad [Source: AFP]Kane Williamson is back in NZ Test squad [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, New Zealand Cricket (NZC), on Monday, announced a star-studded BlackCaps' squad for the first Test of the upcoming three-match series on home soil. Former captain Kane Williamson makes his return to Test cricket, while ace speedster Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips have been excluded from the team. 

Kane Williamson back in NZ squad; no place for Phillips and Jamieson

New Zealand's highest run-getter and former skipper Kane Williamson missed out on selection for the Zimbabwe Tests. So, his comeback certainly boosts the BlackCaps outfit ahead of the highly anticipated Test series. In 105 Test matches, Williamson has struck 9276 runs at an average of 54.9. 

Meanwhile, the NZC didn't consider Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips for selection, judiciously planning the duo's well-managed gradual return to the purest format amid recurrent fitness woes. Jamieson played his last Test against South Africa back in February last year, while Phillips featured in a Test for the final time in December 2024. 

Tickner back; Duffy and Foulkes form New Zealand's formidable pace attack

Matt Fisher, William O'Rourke and Ben Sears are ruled out of the first Test due to injury. However, despite these setbacks, New Zealand have a potent pace attack comprising Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner and Nathan Smith. 

Tickner returns to the New Zealand Test side for the first time after 2023, riding on his recent bowling exploits in white-ball cricket. Meanwhile, skipper Tom Latham will spearhead New Zealand's batting alongside Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell and Rachin Ravindra. 

New Zealand squad for 1st Test vs WI

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young