Former captain Kane Williamson has made his way back into New Zealand's Test squad after recovering from an injury, with the squad announced on Friday for the upcoming three-match home series against England.
Williamson had been sidelined by a groin injury sustained during the September series against Sri Lanka and missed the recent tour of India, where New Zealand impressively swept the series 3-0 against Rohit Sharma’s team.
Now fully recovered, Williamson joins the squad for the ICC World Test Championship series against England, beginning on November 28 in Christchurch.
Tom Latham will continue as captain, joined by experienced pacer Tim Southee, who announced his decision to retire from Test cricket at the conclusion of the current World Test Championship cycle.
Southee’s farewell could arrive as soon as the third Test in Hamilton, with New Zealand needing a series sweep over England to keep their hopes alive for a top-two finish in the World Test Championship standings, which would secure a place in next year’s final at Lord’s.
ALSO READ: After defeating India, New Zealand star announces retirement, will play last Test against England
ALSO READ: 'Strange having a trophy...': Pakistan legend raises concerns over Champions Trophy tour amid schedule uncertainty
Injury concerns mean that pacers Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) are unavailable as they recover. Batter Mark Chapman steps aside to make room for the returning Kane Williamson. Spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi miss out despite recent strong showings against India, while Mitchell Santner, recovering from a side strain, will join the squad for the second and third Tests. All-rounder Nathan Smith, selected after impressive domestic performances, adds depth to the lineup.
Selector Sam Wells expressed anticipation for the series, noting that England will present a challenging and respected opposition.
"It's obviously a big series for the side in terms of the World Test Championship and to also now be farewelling someone like Tim Southee, only raises it up further," Sam Wells said as quoted by the ICC.
"Tim has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the great Black Caps. I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series," Sam Wells added.
Series schedule:
First Test: November 28 - December 2, Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Second Test: December 6-10, Basin Reserve, Wellington.
Third Test: December 14-18, Seddon Park, Hamilton.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (2nd & 3rd Tests), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
