Kyle Jamieson, a fast-bowling all-around player, returns to the New Zealand team for a two-Test series against England at home in February. This is Jamieson’s first selection since suffering a back injury on the England tour in June of last year.
Jamieson only recently made a comeback to New Zealand’s domestic cricket circuit in January of this year, and at the time of his selection for the Test squad, he had already played in two matches for Auckland in the Ford Trophy and Super Smash.
“Kyle is a very determined character with a strong desire to play international cricket for New Zealand,”
According to head coach Gary Stead.
“Since he was forced from the field in Nottingham he’s been very clear that he wants to get his body right to return.
“He’s reported good progress since his return to professional cricket with Auckland and he will get the opportunity to play some long-form cricket as part of the New Zealand XI squad to face England in their warm-up match next week at Seddon Park.”
Leg Spinner Ish Sodhi, who was playing in his first Test series since 2018, also secured his spot in the 14-man team following strong performances in the two-match series in Pakistan in December and January. In the two games, Sodhi not only recorded 13 wickets but also a half-century.
“Ish really impressed us with his approach with bat and ball,”
Stead said.
“He’s worked very hard on both in recent years and it was great to see that on the international Test stage.”
The second spin option in the lineup is off-spinner all-rounder Michael Bracewell, while left-armer Ajaz Patel and batsman Glenn Phillips were left out of the party that traveled to Pakistan.
By the time the team assembles in Tauranga on February 12, wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and fast bowler Matt Henry are expected to have recovered from their injuries incurred in Pakistan.
The teams will fly to Wellington for the second Test, which will take place at the Basin Reserve from February 24-28, following the first Test against England, which will take place from February 16 to 20 and be a day-and-night match at the Bay Oval.
Tim Southee’s first home Test series as the team’s permanent captain. Just ahead of the trip to Pakistan, he replaced Kane Williamson.
The selection manager for New Zealand, Gavin Larsen, hoped that left-arm fast Trent Boult would play in the ODI World Cup in India in October-November but the player, who had given up his core contract, was not chosen.
New Zealand Test Squad Against England: Tim Southee (Captain), Micheal Bracewell, Tom Blundell (Wicket Keeper), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.