Will Young, Player of the Series in New Zealand’s historic 3-0 win in India, has made way for Kane Williamson in the playing XI for the first Test against England in Christchurch from tomorrow (November 28).
Williamson returned to the squad after recovering from a groin injury, which also forced him out of New Zealand's momentous 3-0 win in India. He has been straightaway included in his team’s playing XI for the first of the three-match Test series against England starting on Thursday. In a press conference ahead of the series opener, the hosts’ skipper, Tom Latham, confirmed the veteran’s selection.
Young scored 244 runs and was adjudged the Player of the Series during New Zealand’s recent whitewash against India. With Williamson regaining full fitness, Young is the unlucky player to drop out as New Zealand aim for a spot in the final of the 2023-25 World Test Championship.
"He (Young) played fantastically well over in India and did a great job for us, but unfortunately it's nothing on what Youngy has done over the last period of time," Latham said.
"Having someone like Kane come back in boosts your side with the calibre of player he is. He (Young) is a great team man and he has certainly done nothing wrong. It was a tough decision to make, but when you are in those positions you have to make the tough calls and it means your team is in a good spot.
"Gutted for Youngy, but excited with Kane coming back in."
Captain Tom Latham confirms his XI ahead of the 1st Tegel Test against England starting at Hagley Oval tomorrow. Follow play LIVE in NZ with TVNZ DUKE, TVNZ+, Sport Nation and The ACC. #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/rqUKxm8qEw
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 27, 2024
Latham also confirmed a debut for fast bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith as the side’s fourth seamer, pipping Jacob Duffy. Smith picked up 33 wickets at an average of 17.18 during the previous Plunkett Shield, which played a key role in bringing himself to the selectors' radar. He has so far played two ODIs, against Sri Lanka recently.
Find England's Playing XI here.
New Zealand's XI for first England Test
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke
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