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New Zealand have announced their Test squad for the upcoming Ireland and England series which is set to take place in the coming month. Tom Latham is named as the captain for both the series. New Zealand are set to play a Test against Ireland before starting their three-match series against England from June 4. Some of the notable absentees from the squad include the spin duo of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell. Santner who was part of the Mumbai Indians side for this season was injured during a game against CSK. While Bracewell has not given his availability for red ball cricket. One other big inclusion in the squad is the return of Kane Williamson.
Pacers Kyle Jamieson also returns to the side along with William O Rourke. Jamieson last played a Test match a few years ago. Speaking about their inclusion, Rob Walter said “It's a great privilege to start this next period of sustained red-ball cricket with all our pace bowlers ready to go. Kyle's been on a journey of getting his body ready for Test cricket. He's really fit and strong at the moment and will bring a unique edge to our bowling line-up. Will brings a quality set of skills and physical attributes which make him a hugely exciting addition to any Test team,” he added.
Kane Williamson included in the squad
Kane Williamson also returns to the squad for both the series. Earlier this year, Williamson did not sign a national contract and it was stated that he will evaluate his availability in international cricket on a series-by-series basis. The Kiwi batter is currently 539 runs away from becoming the first New Zealand batter to reach 10,000 runs in Test format and this series will provide a chance for him to create a big milestone in his personal career and also New Zealand cricket.
New Zealand squad for Test series against Ireland and England: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Kristian Clarke (Ireland Test only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (Ireland Test only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (Ireland Test and travelling reserve for England Tests), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (Ireland Test only)
