Kane Williamson returns as New Zealand announce squad for first test against West Indies

New Zealand and West Indies will lock horns in three test matches.

New Zealand Cricket Team announced their squad for the first test against West Indies Cricket Team on Monday, November 24. Both sides are scheduled to clash in three games during the campaign. While New Zealand will play their maiden series in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27, West Indies will look forward to their third series.

New Zealand have named a 14-member squad for the first test, which will be led by Tom Latham. Senior batter Kane Williamson, who missed the ODI series, has returned for the test series against West Indies. Pacer Blair Tickner has been added to the side after two years, having played his last game in 2023.

Seamers Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes have also been added to the squad. The duo made their test debut against Zimbabwe earlier this year. However, pacer Kyle Jamieson has been rested for the series in a move to manage his workload following a back injury.

While all-rounder Glenn Phillips has not been included as he recovers from a groin injury, batter Daryl Mitchell has recovered from his minor groin issue and is fit ahead of the test series against West Indies. Matt Fisher (shin injury), Will O’Rourke (back injury) and Ben Sears (hamstring injury) were not considered for selection.

New Zealand announce squad for the first test against West Indies

New Zealand squad for 1st test against 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.

Speaking about Williamson’s comeback to test cricket, New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said that it will be great to have a skilled and experienced player like him in the 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’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,” Walter said.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand vs West Indies first test will commence on December 2 (Tuesday) at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The second clash will be played from December 10 to 14 in Wellington, while the final encounter will commence on December 18 in Bay Oval. Recently, New Zealand outplayed West Indies in the ODI series 3-0.

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