Kane Williamson is back in New Zealand’s Test squad for next month’s series opener against West Indies in Christchurch, while the management team keeps Kyle Jamieson on the sidelines for at least one more match as his back rehabilitation moves forward inch by inch.
The selectors have named a 14-strong group. Blair Tickner returns for the first time since early 2023, with fellow quicks Jacob Duffy and Zak Foulkes retaining their spots after useful outings in Zimbabwe. Glenn Phillips remains at home, still short of full fitness after a groin strain, but Daryl Mitchell has shaken off his own niggle and is available.
Head coach Rob Walter said the call to bring Williamson straight back was straightforward: “Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group. He’s had a bit of time off to get himself ready for red-ball cricket, and I know he’s looking forward to playing for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunket Shield in the lead-up to the first Test.”
Williamson, now on a casual central contract, skipped the recent tour of Zimbabwe to turn out in the Hundred. His last red-ball appearance for New Zealand came ten months ago; an aborted ODI return against England, cut short by a minor groin tweak, has left him hungry for longer spells at the crease.
Jamieson, by contrast, continues a more cautious route back after surgery and several false starts. The tall seamer has bowled short spells for Canterbury but the back-room staff prefer another month of monitored workloads before he steps into a five-day match. It is frustrating for him, but understandable: New Zealand have four Tests in six weeks across the southern summer.
Tickner’s eight wickets in two ODIs against England helped him leapfrog several injured rivals. Walter added: “Both Jacob and Blair have been around a while and know what it takes to perform at the highest level. They’ve impressed in their white-ball opportunities so far this summer and we back them to do so in the Test arena if called upon.”
He also tipped Foulkes to build on his nine-wicket debut: “Zak couldn’t have performed much better in his first Test against Zimbabwe. That, along with his recent form across the white-ball tours, has rightfully earned him selection.”
Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears miss out through various niggles, leaving New Zealand short of express pace but reasonably stocked with reliable seam options. The West Indies fixtures launch the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle for both sides.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
