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]New Zealand Test Squad vs West Indies: Kane Williamson & Michael Bracewell Back, Tickner & Foulkes Included
by K D Mishra
Kane Williamson has been included in New Zealand’s squad for the three-Test series against the West Indies in December. Along with him, experienced fast bowler Blair Tickner and young player Zak Foulkes are also in the team.
Williamson, the former captain, retired from international T20 cricket and did not play in the recent ODI series against the West Indies, which New Zealand won 3-0. “Kane’s skills and experience are well known, and it’s great to have him back in the Test team,” said coach Rob Walter. “He has had some time to get ready for red-ball cricket.”
Daryl Mitchell, who is ranked eighth in the ICC Test batting rankings, is also returning after missing the last two ODIs due to a groin injury he got while scoring a century in the first match of the series.
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Fast bowlers Will O’Rourke and Ben Sears are out because of injuries, and Kyle Jamieson will miss the first Test. This gives Blair Tickner a chance to play his fourth Test, more than two years after his last. Tickner was named Player of the Match twice in New Zealand’s recent ODI series against England. Jacob Duffy, 31, is also included as another fast-bowling option.
Zak Foulkes, 23, impressed on his Test debut against Zimbabwe in August, taking nine wickets along with Duffy. “Jacob and Blair have plenty of experience and know what it takes to succeed at this level,” said coach Walter.
“Zak did really well in his first Test, and his recent performances in white-ball cricket make him a deserving pick.” West Indies has recalled experienced pacer Kemar Roach for the series, which starts in Christchurch on December 2, with the next Tests in Wellington and Tauranga.
New Zealand Test squad vs West Indies
Tom Latham (C), 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
