Kane Williamson returns as New Zealand announce 14-man squad for first Test against West Indies

New Zealand have named a 14-member squad for the opening Test against the West Indies, with Kane Williamson making a much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket. The first Test of the two-match series begins on December 2 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.

Kane Williamson resumes Test duties after long break

Williamson, who opted out of the July Test tour to Zimbabwe, is set to play his first Test since December last year. To sharpen his red-ball rhythm, the veteran right-hander will also turn out for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunkett Shield before joining the national side.

New pace options headline squad changes

Alongside Williamson’s return, New Zealand have brought in three pace bowlers—Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes, and Blair Tickner. Duffy and Foulkes debuted together during the Zimbabwe series, with Foulkes creating headlines by delivering the best match figures by a New Zealander on Test debut—an outstanding 9 for 75.

Tickner, meanwhile, earns a recall to the Test fold after last featuring in March 2023. His inclusion adds valuable depth as New Zealand continue to manage injuries across their fast-bowling stocks.

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Injury updates and unavailable players

Several frontline bowlers remain unavailable for selection.

• Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips are still undergoing injury rehabilitation and are following a controlled red-ball return-to-play plan.
• Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Ben Sears continue to recover from shin, back and hamstring injuries respectively.

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who suffered a minor groin strain during the ODI series against the West Indies, has been cleared and returns to the squad.

The squad announcement sets the stage for an intriguing Test series opener in Christchurch. New Zealand will look to combine experience and emerging talent as they begin another home red-ball campaign.

New Zealand squad for 1st Test vs West Indies: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

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