Former New Zealand Test skipper Kane Williamson, who had suffered a hamstring injury during the second T20I against Pakistan, has been named in the upcoming Test series against South Africa at home.
The Kiwis have also included Tom Blundell and all-rounder Kyle Jamieson in the squad, who too are in race against time, to be fit for the first Test in Tauranga, starting February 4. Surprisingly, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi failed to make the cut, who were there in New Zealand squad for their recent series against Bangladesh.
To this, coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by the ICC, “All three players have made strong contributions to Test-winning performances over the past 14 months. But we believe we’ve struck a good balance between experience, and providing opportunities for newer players.”
As for the trio battling injuries, the coach added, “Tom Blundell, Kyle Jamieson and Kane Williamson are all at slightly different points in their rehabilitation plans. But we’re confident they’ll be good to go at Bay Oval.”
New Zealand squad: Tim Southee, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke (second Test only), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
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