Auckland. New Zealand has announced its team for the Test series against England starting from November 28. In this, bowling allrounder Nathan Smith has been included in the Test team for the first time.
Smith, who made his international debut in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Wednesday, was the standout bowler in the Plunket Shield competition last year. He topped the wickettaking list with 33 wickets at an average of 17.
New Zealand Cricket said Mitchell Santner has been selected as the lead spinner for the second and third Tests in Wellington and Hamilton, while Kane Williamson has returned to the Test squad after recovering from a groin injury.
“The Black Caps will field a squad of 13 players for each Test, with one fast bowler replacing Santner for the second and third Tests at Sello Basin Reserve and Seddon Park,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
“Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) were not selected for selection as they are recovering from knee and back injuries respectively,” it added.
Santner played a key role in the historic 30 Test series win against India. He bowled brilliantly in the second Test in Pune, taking figures of 13157, which was the third best performance by any New Zealand player in Test matches.
Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi have been left out of the squad that toured India as the selectors want a different bowling group for potential home conditions, while Williamson has been included in place of Mark Chapman.
Selector Sam Wells said it was difficult to leave out a player of the quality of Ajaz Patel, who was man of the match in Mumbai, but the decision was taken considering the home conditions, Santner's recent Test form and the presence of Glenn Phillips.
Wells told New Zealand Cricket, “Mitchell has performed brilliantly since his return to the Test team last year. I'm sure he will take a lot of confidence from his matchwinning performance in the Pune Test. We look forward to seeing the fans throughout the series.” Looking forward to full support and a great atmosphere.”
After a memorable 30 series win in India, New Zealand still have a chance to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final. At present, the team is ranked fourth in the table, slightly behind India (second) and Sri Lanka (third).
New Zealand's Test team will assemble in Christchurch on November 25 before the first Test begins at Hagley Oval on November 28.
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.