After a Player of the Series performance in India, WILL YOUNG is the sole Central Stag named in the BLACKCAPS' Test squad to face England in the much anticipated and important Tegel Test Series, starting at Hagley Oval on 28 November.

There's no room for Mumbai third Test hero and player of the match AJAZ PATEL in the squad, with the attack picked for New Zealand seaming tracks - and ND spinner Mitch Santner selected as the frontline spinner for the second and third Tests only, in Wellington and Hamilton.

In other changes, Wellington Firebirds pace allrounder Nathan Smith has earned his maiden Test squad call-up while Kane Williamson returns to squad after recovering from the groin injury that ruled him out of the India Test tour, while Ish Sodhi drops out.

No room for AJAZ | BCCI

Following the side’s memorable 3-0 series win in India, the BLACKCAPS still have a chance to qualify for the third instalment of the ICC World Test Championship Final, sitting fourth on the table, narrowly behind India (2) and Sri Lanka (3).

The marquee three-Test series is set to be veteran pace bowler Tim Southee’s last, following the news of his planned international retirement following the Series.

BLACKCAPS selector Sam Wells said the Test Series was important for several reasons. 

“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,” he said.

“Tim has had a fabulous career, and will go down as one of the great BLACKCAPS.

“I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series."

 

2024 Test squad v England

Tom Latham (c) - Canterbury

Tom Blundell (w)  - Wellington Firebirds

Devon Conway  - Wellington Firebirds

Jacob Duffy - Otago Volts, uncapped

Matt Henry - Canterbury

Daryl Mitchell - Canterbury

Will O’Rourke - Canterbury

Glenn Phillips - Otago Volts

Rachin Ravindra  - Wellington Firebirds

Mitchell Santner (Tests 2+3 only) - Northern Districts

Nathan Smith  - Wellington Firebirds, uncapped

Tim Southee - Northern Districts

Kane Williamson - Northern Districts

Will Young - Central Stags

 

 

 

Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back)

were not considered for selection

as they continue their rehabilitation from injury

 

 

BLACKCAPS v England

Tegel Test Series

 

1^st Test - Thurs 28 Nov • Mon 2 Dec at Hagley Oval, Christchurch

2^nd Test – Fri 6 Dec • Tues 10 Dec at Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington

3^rd Test – Sat 14 Dec • Wed 18 Dec at Seddon Park, Hamilton

 

 

 

Article added: Friday 15 November 2024