Kane Williamson is back for the West Indies Test series

Kane Williamson is back for the West Indies Test series

Williamson has a limited contract with New Zealand Cricket, which allows him to play in overseas leagues while still playing for New Zealand when he is available.

New Zealand have named a 14-player squad for the first Test against the West Indies, starting December 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The big news is the return of Kane Williamson, who last played a Test in December last year. He had skipped the Zimbabwe series in July but will now be back, preparing with Northern Districts in the Plunkett Shield before the Test begins.

The squad also includes Daryl Mitchell, who has recovered from a minor groin injury. Fast bowlers Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Blair Tickner have been added. Duffy and Foulkes made their Test debuts against Zimbabwe, with Foulkes impressing by taking 9 wickets for 75 runs—the best figures by a New Zealander on debut. Tickner returns to the Test side for the first time since March 2023.

Squad: 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.

Players like Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips were not considered, as they are still recovering and working on their fitness. Matt Fisher, Will O’Rourke, and Ben Sears are also sidelined with injuries.

Head coach Rob Walter welcomed Williamson’s return, saying his skills and leadership will be a big boost for the team.