Nathan Smith Earns Maiden Test Call-Up as BLACKCAPS Announce Squad for Tegel Test Series Against England
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| BLACKCAPS have a chance to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final, sitting fourth on the table. / BCCI |
— Wellington Firebirds’ bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has earned his first Test call-up for the highly anticipated Tegel Test series against England, starting on November 28 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The 25-year-old pacer, who debuted internationally in an ODI against Sri Lanka last week, was a standout performer in the 2023-24 Plunket Shield, topping the bowling charts with 33 wickets at an impressive average of 17, including a career-best 6-36 against Canterbury.
The series also marks the return of New Zealand’s former captain Kane Williamson, who missed the recent India tour due to a groin injury. Mitchell Santner, fresh from his player-of-the-match heroics in India, has been selected as the primary spinner for the second and third Tests, set to take place in Wellington and Hamilton. Santner played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series sweep over India, including a 13-wicket haul in Pune, which ranks as the third-best match figures by a New Zealander.
The BLACKCAPS will assemble a 13-member squad for each Test, with Santner expected to replace a seamer for the Wellington and Hamilton matches, tailored to home conditions. Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi, who were part of the victorious squad in India, have been omitted as selectors prioritize a different bowling composition for the series. This marquee Test series will also be the last international appearance for veteran pacer Tim Southee, who announced his impending retirement from international cricket.
“We’re preparing for an exciting Test series with sold-out crowds and an enthusiastic atmosphere, especially with the Balmy Army in attendance,” said BLACKCAPS selector Sam Wells. “The significance of this series in our World Test Championship campaign and the farewell of Tim Southee elevate it even more. Tim’s contributions to New Zealand cricket have been exceptional, and he’ll be celebrated as one of the great BLACKCAPS.”
Nathan Smith’s call-up reflects his consistency and success at the domestic level. “Nathan is an exciting young talent with a strong First-Class record, and he’ll bring skill and energy to the squad,” Wells added. Meanwhile, Santner’s recent Test success solidified his place as the main spinner, despite the selectors’ difficult decision to leave out Ajaz Patel, who performed admirably in Mumbai last year.
New Zealand are currently fourth in the ICC World Test Championship standings, with a realistic chance of qualifying for the final if they maintain strong form. The team will assemble in Christchurch on November 25, joined by head coach Gary Stead and assistant coaches Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram.
BLACKCAPS Test Squad v England:
- Tom Latham (c)
- Tom Blundell (wk)
- Devon Conway
- Jacob Duffy*
- Matt Henry
- Daryl Mitchell
- Will O’Rourke
- Glenn Phillips
- Rachin Ravindra
- Mitchell Santner (2nd & 3rd Tests)
- Nathan Smith*
- Tim Southee
- Kane Williamson
- Will Young