Kane Williamson Returns as New Zealand Announces Squad for West Indies Test Series

New Zealand have announced a 14-man squad for the upcoming West Indies Test series, starting on December 2 at Hagley Oval. Blackcaps’ all-time leading run-scorer Kane Williamson returns to the team.

Fast bowlers Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy are back in the Test side. Blair Tickner also returns to the Test team for the first time since 2023. Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips are not in the first Test as they continue to manage their fitness. Daryl Mitchell has been included in the Test squad after recovering from a groin injury he got during the first ODI against the West Indies in Christchurch on November 16.

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Williamson’s Return Boosts Blackcaps Ahead of West Indies Test

BLACKCAPS head coach Rob Walter welcomed Kane Williamson’s return to an already strong Test side. “Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself. It will be great to have his skills and leadership back in the Test team,” he said.

“He has had some time off to get ready for red-ball cricket. I know he is looking forward to playing for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunket Shield before the first Test,” he added. Walter also spoke about Zak Foulkes’ selection after his Test debut in Zimbabwe earlier this year. “Zak could not have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. His performance, along with his recent form in white-ball tours, has rightly earned him selection.”

New Zealand Test Squad vs West Indies

1. Tom Latham (Captain), 2. Tom Blundell (Wicketkeeper), 3. Michael Bracewell, 4. Devon Conway, 5. Jacob Duffy, 6. Zak Foulkes, 7. Matt Henry, 8. Daryl Mitchell, 9. Rachin Ravindra, 10. Mitchell Santner, 11. Nathan Smith, 12. Blair Tickner, 13. Kane Williamson, 14. Will Young.