New Zealand's prolific Williamson back for England Test series / Photo: IDREES MOHAMMED - AFP
-
Abhishek hits record T20 ton as India post 221-7 against Afghanistan
-
AFP photo shows Trump examining image of apparent Kennedy Center razing
-
Macron hosts Lebanon security talks to back 'indispensable' army
-
Pochettino rings changes for USA friendlies
-
Final rally of season in Saudi Arabia cancelled due to Middle East conflict
-
Alonso says Chelsea ambition 'very clear' after end of Boehly era
-
Gaza documentary sparks political storm in Israel
-
Mbappe draws political fire over Ceuta t-shirt controversy
-
King Charles warns tech bosses of 'existential dangers' of AI
-
Third malaria death in Germany from outbreak tied to Frankfurt airport
-
French fishermen block ports over petrol prices
-
AtlasClear Holdings Reports Preliminary Fiscal 2026 Revenue of Approximately $20.1 Million, Up 85%; Revenue Plus Interest Income of Approximately $21.9 Million
-
AFP photo shows Trump examining image of Kennedy Center apparent demolition
-
Alonso says Chelsea ambition clear after end of Boehly era
-
Andersson vows to take Sweden in 'new direction' after election win
-
Micron's Taiwan workers say 68 months' bonus not enough
-
Turkey's Erdogan to run again in early 2028 vote, top adviser says
-
'Another arrow to the quiver': World Bank posts record private capital mobilization
-
Sweden's Andersson: a trusted, no-nonsense political operator
-
Macron hosts Lebanon security talks as UN mission nears end
-
Canada's Carney pushes 'new alliance' with EU despite Trump threats
-
From land to race laws: what's driving the US-South Africa rift?
-
Ireland to boycott Eurovision 2027 over Gaza
-
Beyond Investment Returns: Families Are Measuring Wealth by Freedom, Continuity, and Legacy, According to Nour Private Wealth
-
India's Tata Sons reappoints N. Chandrasekaran as chairman
-
King Charles disputes claims in book by Princess Diana's brother
-
Sweden's left-wing wins election thriller
-
Real Madrid fan group wants Mbappe apology over Ceuta shirt snub
-
Germany urges EU action against China to defend carmakers
-
Nepal floods among 'most challenging' disasters: WFP
-
Stocks mostly rise after US Fed rate hike, oil eases
-
Doubts as Italy eyes electric future for steel plant
-
Palestinians turn rugged caves into homes after Israeli demolitions
-
'One of the kindest people': Taraneh, 21, facing execution in Iran
-
Two unseen Monet paintings to be sold in Paris: auction house
-
Japan eyes changing prostitution law to punish sex buyers
-
Klopp wants German team to help reclaim national pride from far-right
-
After record rain, typhoon threatens new challenge to Asian Games
-
Ninth woman found dead in South Africa killing spree
-
Kids and social media: what would change under new EU law
-
Smog scuppers Japan force helping fight Indonesia wildfires
-
Modi pitches India as global chipmaking hub
-
King Charles to call on tech giants for 'reassurances' over AI
-
Ukraine plans record defence spending in 2027
-
Lebanon security talks in Paris focus on replacing UN mission
-
Klopp calls up 44 players in huge first Germany squad
-
Most stocks rise as Fed hikes and oil prices drop
-
STARPRIME Responds to Diverging Gold Market Demand with AM/PM Fixing and XAU24/7
-
'Vande Mataram': Why is India's freedom song in spotlight?
-
Ukrainian fashion designer debuts art between air raids
New Zealand's prolific Williamson back for England Test series
Prolific batsman Kane Williamson was Friday included in New Zealand's Test squad to face England after missing their recent 3-0 sweep in India with a groin injury.
The former skipper will once again team up with veteran seamer Tim Southee, who will retire from Test cricket after the three match-series starting in Christchurch on November 28.
Williamson is New Zealand's greatest Test run-scorer with 8,881 runs from 102 matches at an average of 54.48.
The Black Caps called up bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith for the first time while uncapped quick Jacob Duffy was also included in the squad.
But Ajaz Patel, who claimed 15 wickets against India, was surprisingly overlooked with Mitchell Santner the spin option, backed up by Glenn Phillips.
Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) were not considered.
"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," said Black Caps selector Sam Wells.
The triumph in India propelled New Zealand back into contention for next year's World Test Championship final, but even a whitewash of England would not guarantee it.
Ben Stokes' England suffered a 2-1 defeat in Pakistan last month.
"It's also an exciting time for Nathan to be brought into the Test squad for the first time," added Wells.
"Nathan is an exciting talent with a proven first-class record and I’m sure he will bring a lot of skill and energy to the group."
Wells admitted it was tough to leave out Patel, but the decision was made given the expected home conditions and Santner's recent Test form.
The Black Caps are again led by Tom Latham, who took over from Southee last month and led them to what he called one of New Zealand's "greatest series wins" in India.
Following the Christchurch Test, the series moves to Wellington and then Hamilton for Southee's last hurrah.
Test squad: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
E.Raimundo--PC
