New Zealand has selected its squad for the upcoming Ireland and England tours. They have recalled fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke for this.
The New Zealand cricket board has selected the 19-man squad for one Test against Ireland and 3 against England. The tour will begin later this month.
Since they will be playing on the English continent, the selectors leaned heavily towards the seam bowling options. The team also features players like Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Nathan Smith, and Blair Tickner. Michael Rae and uncapped Kristian Clarke are selected for the Ireland tour, while Ben Sears will play against England too.
Jamieson was injured in February 2024 with a back stress fracture, and since then, he has not featured in Test cricket. Despite not playing for more than two years, he has excellent figures in Test cricket. At an average of 19, he has taken 80 wickets in just 19 Tests.
In Jamieson’s absence, O’Rourke emerged as a reliable bowler and has taken 39 wickets in 11 matches. A similar injury has also kept him from Test cricket for 8 months.
The head coach of New Zealand, Rob Walter, says that now the fast-bowling group is at full strength, and that is a big boost for the team. “It’s a great privilege to start this next period of sustained red-ball cricket with all our pace bowlers ready to go.”
“Kyle’s been on a journey of getting his body ready for Test cricket. He’s really fit and strong at the moment and will bring a unique edge to our bowling line-up. Will brings a quality set of skills and physical attributes which make him a hugely exciting addition to any Test team. Ben brings height and good pace, and I love his aggression and whole-hearted approach to his bowling.”
Tom Latham will captain the New Zealand team, and Tom Blundell will be their designated wicketkeeper. Jacob Duffy was not available for selection as he prepares for the birth of his first child. The team management supported his decision.
Players like Henry, Foulkes, Jamieson, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips will join the New Zealand squad after the conclusion of the IPL later this month.
Have a look at the New Zealand Test squad.
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Kristian Clarke (IRE only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (IRE only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears (IRE only & 16th travelling reserve for ENG), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (IRE only)
