New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on November 24 announced their 14-man squad for the three-Test series at home against West Indies starting on December 2. Kane Williamson has returned to the squad after missing the Test series against Zimbabwe.
"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," head coach Rob Walter said. "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."
After a successful debut against Zimbabwe, Jacob Duffy and Zakary Foulkes are set to play their first World Test Championship (WTC) match.
"Both Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level," Walter said. "They've impressed in their white-ball opportunities so far this summer and we back them to do so in the Test arena if called upon.
"Zak couldn't have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. That, along with his recent form across the white-ball tours, has rightfully earned him selection."
Players missing due to injuries or workload
Kyle Jamieson will not be part of the series as the team management does not want to risk him getting injured. Jamieson has been managed since his return to the field after a back injury. Similarly, Glenn Phillips is yet to regain full match fitness. However, he did feature in a Plunket Shield match.
Other pacers who were not considered for selection due to their respective injuries are — Matt Fisher (shin), Will O'Rourke (back) and Ben Sears (hamstring).
New Zealand’s Test squad for West Indies series -
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.
Big challenge for West Indies
While New Zealand will be playing their first Test of current WTC cycle, West Indies are yet to register a victory despite playing five. They lost 3-0 to Australia at home and 2-0 on Indian soil. The first Test of the series will be played at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.