New Zealand Unveils Squad for Test Series : The team will be selected from 13 New Zealand players in the first Test as Mitchell Santner will join the team for the second and third Tests. Kane Williamson has returned to the Kiwi team, who could not take part in the historic series against India due to a back problem.
New Zealand Unveils Squad for Test Series
The Test series between New Zealand and England will start from November 28. Tom Latham will continue to be the captain of the team. Fast bowler Tim Southee has announced that this World Test Championship will be his last. By the way, if New Zealand has to reach the WTC final, then it will have to clean sweep England 3-0, which is not easy at all. In such a situation, it is believed that the England series will be the last Test series of his career. New Zealand Unveils Squad for Test Series
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Many Players Did Not Get a Chance
New Zealand has not included fast bowlers Ben Sears (ankle) and Kyle Jamieson (back) in the team. Both fast bowlers have been given time to recover. Mark Chapman has made room for Kane Williamson. Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi, members of the team that achieved a historic 3-0 clean sweep in India, have also not been included. New Zealand Unveils Squad for Test Series
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Mitchell Santner has been included in the squad for the second and third Tests as he is recovering from a side strain. Due to this problem, Santner could not participate in the third Test against India. All-rounder Nathan Smith has been included. Smith attracted the attention of the selectors by performing very effectively in domestic cricket.
What Did The Selector Say?
New Zealand selector Sam Wells is focused on the upcoming series and believes that the Test series between the two teams is expected to be interesting and tough. He said, “The upcoming series has become bigger due to Tim Southee’s retirement from the World Test Championship. Tim had a great career and he will remain one of New Zealand’s greatest players. I am sure the team and the public would like to give Tim Southee a memorable farewell.” New Zealand Unveils Squad for Test Series
England Tour of New Zealand, 2024 – TEST Format | |||||
S. No | Day | Date | Time | Fixture | Venue |
1 | Thursday | 28-Nov-2024 | 03:30 PM | ENG vs NZ | Hagley Oval |
2 | Friday | 06-Dec-2024 | 03:30 PM | ENG vs NZ | Basin Reserve |
3 | Saturday | 14-Dec-2024 | 03:30 PM | ENG vs NZ | Seddon Park |
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 and 3rd Tests), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson and Will Young. New Zealand Unveils Squad for Test Series
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Conclusion
The announcement of New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming Test series against England marks the beginning of an exciting cricketing chapter. With Kane Williamson returning after recovering from a back issue, the team gains a significant boost in experience and leadership. Tom Latham’s steady captaincy continues to guide the side, while the inclusion of promising players like Nathan Smith reflects the selectors’ faith in young talent. The series also takes on added significance as Tim Southee, one of New Zealand’s all-time greats, prepares for his swansong in the World Test Championship. New Zealand Unveils Squad for Test Series
Although the absence of fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Ben Sears due to injuries is a setback, the team has depth and adaptability. Mitchell Santner’s return for the second and third Tests will further strengthen the squad. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging players, New Zealand is set for a challenging yet intriguing face-off against England.
While a 3-0 clean sweep is the only path for New Zealand to secure a place in the World Test Championship final, the focus remains on giving their best on the field. Cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest that honors the legacy of Southee and showcases the spirit of the game.