New Zealand announce squad for England Tests; Williamson returns, Southee to retire after series

After the conclusion of their ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka, New Zealand will once again shift their focus onto the longest format as they will take on England in a three-game Test series. Both sides will face off in Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton from November 28, December 6, and December 14. 

Ahead of the series, there has been some good news for the Black Caps as Kane Williamson has made his recovery from the groin injury that had kept him out of the recent three-game Test series against India. Furthermore, Nathan Smith has been handed his first Test call-up as well. 

Uncapped pacer Jacob Duffy has also been named in the squad. Furthermore, Mitchell Santner will not be available for the first Test but will be available for the second and third ones. 

Ahead of the series, New Zealand Cricket’s selector Sam Wells took centre stage and talked about how much the series against England means to New Zealand in terms of the World Test Championship standings. He also lauded the career of veteran Tim Southee as well.

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"It's obviously a big series for the side in terms of the World Test Championship, and to also now be farewelling someone like Tim Southee only raises it up further. Tim has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the great Black Caps,” Wells was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. 

"I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series. It's also an exciting time for Nathan to be brought into the Test squad for the first time. Nathan is an exciting talent with a proven first-class record, and I'm sure he will bring a lot of skill and energy to the group,” he added.

New Zealand Test squad vs England

Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (Tests 2 and 3), Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young