New Zealand vs England: Lockie Ferguson receives maiden Test call-up

New Zealand fast-bowler Lockie Ferguson is in line to make his Test debut after being named in the 15-man squad for the upcoming series against England. The two-match Test series will get underway on November 21. Skipper Kane Williamson has also returned to the team after missing the T20I series due to a hip injury.

Ferguson is already an integral part of New Zealand’s limited-overs side. He was one of their most impressive performers in this year’s World Cup as the Black Caps defied all the odds to make it to their second final. The right-arm pacer, nonetheless, is pretty experienced with the red ball too. So far, he has played 42 first-class games and has 153 wickets at an average of 24.30.

“There’s no doubt Lockie has been knocking on the door for a while now and we’re delighted to finally bring him into the Test fold,” said selector Gavin Larsen as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“It’s well documented he has raw pace, but he also possesses a quality bowling skillset and has proved his durability. He showed good form against England in the recent T20 series and backed that up with a solid outing for the Auckland Aces in the Plunket Shield, where he claimed 4 for 23 against the Wellington Firebirds.”

“Our pace bowling stocks are strong at the moment and we feel Lockie will add another dimension to the picture and will create some great competition,” he added.

In other notable change to the squad, the Black Caps have recalled Todd Astle as the second spinner in the squad. Astle has pipped Ajaz Patel and Will Somerville for the second spinner’s role alongside Mitchell Santner.

New Zealand eye revenge

New Zealand, meanwhile, will be desperate to turn the tables at England after losing the World Cup final and the T20I series to them. On both the occasions, super over saw England run away with the win. But New Zealand will have a chance to set the record straight in Tests. The first Test will be played in Mount Maunganui before the action moves to Hamilton for the second Test.

Here’s the Test squad

Kane Williamson (c), Todd Astle, Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling (wk)