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New Zealand Cricket has received a significant boost ahead of their three-match Test series against the West Indies, confirming the return of star batsman Kane Williamson to the 14-man squad for the opening Test in Christchurch starting December 2.
Williamson, the country’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, is set to feature in red-ball cricket for the first time since December last year, having skipped the recent Test series against Zimbabwe to manage his workload and prepare for the home summer.
The Return of the Stalwart
Head coach Rob Walter welcomed the news, noting the immense quality and calm Williamson brings back to the squad.
“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,” Walter stated. “He has had adequate time off to ready himself for red-ball cricket and will play for Northern Districts in the Plunket Shield in the lead-up to the first Test.”
Pace Trio Added to Attack
The selectors have significantly strengthened the fast-bowling department, injecting a mix of emerging talent and experience alongside mainstays Matt Henry and Nathan Smith.
- Zak Foulkes: Earns selection on the back of his sensational debut, where he claimed the best match figures by a New Zealander on Test debut (9 wickets for 75 runs against Zimbabwe in August).
- Blair Tickner: Returns to the Test setup for the first time since March 2023, following strong recent performances in the white-ball format.
- Jacob Duffy: Included as a valuable pace option, having also debuted against Zimbabwe earlier this year.
Availability and Injury Management
All-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been cleared for selection after overcoming a minor groin injury sustained during the recent ODI series against the West Indies.
However, several key players remain unavailable as part of New Zealand’s load management and recovery strategy:
- Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips were not considered for the Test squad as they continue a phased red-ball return-to-play plan following injuries.
- Other pacers ruled out due to injury include Matt Fisher (shin), Will O’Rourke (back), and Ben Sears (hamstring).
The first Test against the West Indies is scheduled to begin at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on December 2, marking New Zealand’s entry into the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.
New Zealand Squad for 1st Test vs West Indies: 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.
Image Credits : Cricbuzz
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