New Zealand announce playing XI for the 1st Test v Windies

New Zealand will miss out on the service of pacer Tim Southee, who is expecting the birth of his child, and he has been replaced with Matt Henry in the playing XI for the 1st Test against West Indies in Wellington, starting Friday (1st December). The Kiwis gave Henry a nod ahead of Lockie Ferguson, who was sent in as a cover for Southee last week.

The hosts will have a debutant in the face of Tom Blundell, who will replace injured BJ Watling. The last time Henry turned out in whites was against South Africa, earlier this year, where he bagged five wickets. He will be eager to make an impression against the touring Windies side.

Williamson on Henry

“He’s been playing well for a long time and hasn’t had the opportunities that he’s deserved. He’s a different bowler to Lockie and has been bowling with good pace, does tend to move the ball well and it’s exciting for Matt,” skipper Kane Williamson said. “He’s been waiting for an opportunity and doing all the right things, and performed well in our last Test match. He was outstanding.”

Williamson on Ferguson

Williamson said that the think tank had considered the option of picking Ferguson, who bagged a 12-for against Otago in a Plunket Shield fixture and the grabbed seven wickets for New Zealand A side while playing against West Indies in a warm-up game.

“We did think about it. You’re always looking at the balance of your attack. Lockie’s been playing superbly well and he’s a really exciting talent. It’s always a tough decision.”

New Zealand XI for the 1st Test:

Kane Williamson (captain), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Tom Blundell, Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult.