Wellington Firebirds bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith has earned his maiden Test call-up for the upcoming three-match Tegel 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, leading 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-nil 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 BLACKCAPS will assemble a squad of 13 for each Test, with one seam bowler set to make way for Santner for the second and third Tests at the Cello Basin Reserve and Seddon Park.
Following the side’s memorable 3-0 series win in India, the BLACKCAPS 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 (2nd) and Sri Lanka (3rd).
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 Cello 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.
BLACKCAPS selector Sam Wells said the Test series was important for several reasons.
“It’s obviously a big series for the side in terms of the World Test Championship and to also now be farewelling someone like Tim Southee, only raises it up further,” he said.
“Tim has had a fabulous career and will go down as one of the great BLACKCAPS.
“I am sure the team and the public will want to give Tim a fitting send-off in what is a highly anticipated series.
“It’s also an exciting time for Nathan to be brought into the Test squad for the first time. Nathan is an exciting talent with a proven First-Class record and I’m sure he will bring a lot of skill and energy to the group.”
Wells said it was tough to leave out a quality player like Patel following his player of the match performance in Mumbai, but the decision was informed by the expected home conditions, Santner’s recent Test form and the presence of Glenn Phillips.
“Mitch has performed superbly since his recall to the Test team last year, and I am sure he will take a lot of confidence out of his match winning performance in the Pune Test.
“With sold-out crowds in store and the Barmy Army in attendance we are expecting an amazing atmosphere throughout the series.”
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
*uncapped
Ben Sears (knee) and Kyle Jamieson (back) were not considered for selection as they continue their rehabilitation from injury.
BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead will be joined for the series by batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram.
The BLACKCAPS Test squad will assemble in Christchurch on Monday November 25 ahead of the first Test starting at Hagley Oval on Thursday November 28.
BLACKCAPS v England – Tegel Test Series
1st Test – Thursday 28 November – Monday 2 December – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
2nd Test – Friday 6 December – Tuesday 10 December – Cello Basin Reserve, Wellington
3rd Test – Saturday 14 December – Wednesday 18 December – Seddon Park, Hamilton
