Kane Williamson Returns for West Indies Tests

Kane Williamson Returns: Kane Williamson returns for New Zealand's first Test against the West Indies. Daryl Mitchell is also fit. Learn about the 14-member New Zealand squad, including Jacob Duffy, Zachary Faulks, and Blair Tickner, and when and where the first Test will take place.

The New Zealand cricket team has announced its 14-member squad for the upcoming first Test against the West Indies. The biggest highlight of this team is the return of veteran batsman Kane Williamson. Williamson has not played a Test match for New Zealand since December last year.

Head coach Rob Walter welcomed Kane Williamson to the squad, saying, "Kane's on-field abilities are formidable, and it will be great to have his skill and leadership qualities back in the Test team."

Fast bowling trio: Duffy, Foulkes, and Tickner included

New Zealand has included three key fast bowlers, Jacob Duffy, Zachary Foulkes, and Blair Tickner, in the West Indies Test squad:

• Zacary Foulkes: He performed brilliantly in his debut Test against Zimbabwe, taking 9 wickets for 75 runs.
• Jacob Duffy: Duffy, who made his debut against Zimbabwe alongside Foulkes, has also been retained in the squad.
• Blair Tickner: Returning to the Test squad for the first time since March 2023.

Mitchell fit, key players injured

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been included in the squad after recovering from a minor back injury he sustained in the first ODI against the West Indies. However, several key players are still struggling with injuries:

• Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips: Both players are working on their match fitness as part of a planned return to red-ball cricket.
• Matt Fisher, Will O'Rourke, and Ben Sears: They are recovering from calf, back, and hamstring injuries, respectively.

When and where is the first Test match?

New Zealand's first Test match against the West Indies will begin on December 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

New Zealand Test squad (New Zealand vs West Indies)

Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Jack Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.