Wellington Firebirds bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has earned his maiden test call-up for the upcoming three-match test series against England, starting at Hagley Oval on November 28.
Smith, who made his full international debut in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Wednesday, was the standout bowler in last year’s Plunket Shield competition.
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He lead the wicket-taking charts with 33 wickets at an average of 17, including career-best first-class figures of 6-36 against Canterbury in Rangiora.
Fresh from his player of the match heroics in India, Mitchell Santner has been selected as the frontline spinner for the second and third tests in Wellington and Hamilton.
Santner played a key role in the historic 3-0 test series victory over India, claiming 13-157 in the second test in Pune, the third best test match figures in by a New Zealander.
Kane Williamson returns to the test squad after recovering from the groin injury that ruled him out of the India test tour.
The Black Caps will assemble a squad of 13 for each test, with one seam bowler set to make way for Santner for the second and third test at the Basin Reserve and Seddon Park.
Following the side’s memorable 3-0 series win in India, the Black Caps still have a chance to qualify for the third installment of the ICC World Test Championship final, sitting fourth on the table, narrowly behind India (second) and Sri Lanka (third).
Of the squad that toured India, Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi have not been included as the selectors seek a different bowling group for the expected home conditions, while Mark Chapman makes way for Williamson.
The marquee three-test series is set to be veteran pace-bowler Tim Southee’s last, following the news of his planned international retirement following the series.
The second test at the Basin Reserve is sold-out for the first three days with limited tickets for the fourth day, while the first three days of the first test at Hagley Oval are also heading for a sell-out.
BLACK CAPS SQUAD
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy*, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner (second/third ests), Nathan Smith*, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
*uncapped
Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) were not considered for selection as they continue their rehabilitation from injury
BLACK CAPS SCHEDULE
1st test: Thursday, November 28-Monday, December 2, Hagley Oval, Christchurch
2nd test: Friday, December 6-Tuesday, December 10, Basin Reserve, Wellington
3rd test: Saturday, December 14-Wednesday, December 18, Seddon Park, Hamilton