Kane Williamson Returns as New Zealand Announce Squad for NZ vs West Indies Test

Kane Williamson is officially back in the New Zealand Test squad for the first Test against the West Indies, marking his return after nearly a year away from the longest format. The selectors have also named pace bowlers Jacob Duffy, Zakary Foulkes and Blair Tickner in a 14-man lineup for the opening match of the NZ vs West Indies Test series. Allrounder Daryl Mitchell has also been included after recovering from a minor groin injury he picked up during the first ODI against the West Indies. With these additions, the New Zealand cricket camp enters the series with renewed confidence.

Williamson had earlier opted out of the Test series against Zimbabwe in July and hasn’t played a Test for New Zealand cricket since December last year. To ensure he’s fully prepared, the veteran batter will also turn out for Northern Districts in the second round of the Plunkett Shield. This outing is expected to help him get into rhythm before the Test series against the West Indies begins, giving fans plenty to look forward to.

Among the notable inclusions are Duffy and Foulkes, who both made their Test debuts during the Zimbabwe tour. Foulkes, in particular, impressed with record-breaking match figures of 9 for 75—the best by a New Zealander on debut in Test cricket. Tickner also makes a comeback to the New Zealand Test squad, returning for the first time since March 2023 and adding further depth to the pace attack for the NZ vs West Indies Test clash.

New Zealand’s squad for the first Test features: 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 and Will Young. With a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent, the group looks well-equipped for the upcoming challenge against the West Indies.

Some big names are still missing due to injury. Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Phillips were not considered as they continue their recovery and focus on a controlled red-ball return-to-play plan. Meanwhile, Matt Fisher, Will O'Rourke and Ben Sears remain sidelined with shin, back and hamstring injuries respectively. Their absence means more opportunities for the newer faces in the New Zealand Test squad to step up in this Test series.

Head coach Rob Walter expressed his delight at having Williamson back. “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 said. His return adds both stability and experience ahead of the highly anticipated NZ vs West Indies Test opener.

The first Test of the West Indies tour of New Zealand begins on December 2 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, promising an exciting start to the red-ball summer for fans of New Zealand cricket.