November 15, 2024: Kane Williamson has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England after recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of the recent series in India. Williamson’s return is a significant boost for the Black Caps as they prepare for the ICC World Test Championship series, which begins on November 28 in Christchurch.
Williamson had suffered the injury during New Zealand’s tour of Sri Lanka in September, forcing him to miss the historic 3-0 whitewash over India. However, he has now recovered and will join Tom Latham, who will continue to lead the side, in the squad. Tim Southee, the veteran quick bowler, is also part of the squad, but he announced on Friday that he plans to retire from Test cricket at the end of the World Test Championship campaign. This could mean his final match could be as early as the third Test against England in Hamilton, depending on how the series unfolds.
The series is particularly important for New Zealand’s World Test Championship ambitions. The Black Caps will need a clean sweep of the series to stand a chance of finishing in the top two spots on the standings and securing a place in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s next year.
New Zealand squad for the series:
- Tom Latham (captain)
- Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper)
- Devon Conway
- Jacob Duffy
- Matt Henry
- Daryl Mitchell
- Will O’Rourke
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner (for second and third Tests)
- Nathan Smith
- Tim Southee
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young
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
Sam Wells, the New Zealand selector, expressed his excitement for the highly anticipated series against England, acknowledging the challenge of facing such a formidable opponent. He also emphasized the emotional significance of the series as New Zealand bids farewell to Tim Southee, who has had an illustrious career and is widely regarded as one of the greats of New Zealand cricket.
This series promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams looking to secure crucial points for the World Test Championship while also offering a fitting farewell to one of New Zealand’s finest fast bowlers.
